radiation with autoimmune disease?

Options
mydogspot
mydogspot Member Posts: 25
edited May 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I met with my oncologist for the first time after being diagnosed with ILC 2 weeks ago. She told me that since I have rheumatoid arthritis and sjogren's syndrome I am not a good candidate for lumpectomy and radiation, since my crazy immune system would probably react to the radiation and do a lot of damage to my breast. This is the first that I've heard of this, the surgeon (who in theory had looked at my medical info) did not mention anything about this. Anyone here getting radiation who also has autoimmune disease, and if so, did you know about possible complications before going this route?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • stotamom
    stotamom Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2016

    I would love to know this as well as I have lupus, fibromyalgia, and sjogren's. I have not met with my RO but should anytime now. I have heard that radiation could be more problematic for those of us with autoimmune connective tissue issues.I am actually thinking of opting out of radiation due to the added complications it could cause. Pretty much a lose lose situation in my case. Good luck with your decision.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited May 2016

    Hi guys. I have multiple autoimmune disease. I was initially scheduled for a lumpectomy with intraopertive radiation. After a pre op MRI revealed a second malignancy I then opted for a BMX. However when I saw my MO after the surgery she said the BMX was a good idea because of radiation and autoimmune disease. Well no one told me that before the scheduled radiation! Im not sure if the IORT would be any different but its definitely something to research. Good luck and keep us posted on this subject ....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mydogspot
    mydogspot Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2016

    Met with the surgeon and radiation oncologist today. The oncologist had my blood work from the rheumatologist and said that since my disease was well controlled by medication there shouldn't be any problem with radiation. He did say that lupus and scleroderma were a bigger concern than ra and ss. So on to lumpectomy and rads.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stotamom
    stotamom Member Posts: 41
    edited May 2016

    mydogspot - I'm glad you were able to obtain a clear answer! I go next Tuesday for my consult with the RO. We shall see what they have to say about issues.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Kar324
    Kar324 Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2016

    i have Sjogren's and mild systemic lupus. I discussed this with. all my caretakers. MY surgeon, medical oncologist and radiation oncologist. My lupus only involved my joints. No major organ involvement. My lupus has also been inactive for years. I had lumpectomy with 16 whole breast radiation and 5 boosts. Total was 21 rounds. I sailed through. No severe, acute side effects from radiation other than the normal, (deep redenning/ tanning) in the last week. Had some fatigue, mainly after treatments ended, for about a week to 10 days after. My radiation oncologist DID say however, IF my lupus was major and was active with many complications, I would've been a candidate for mastectomy. So lupus is a case by case basis. Scleroderma is an absolute contraindication. At least that was my experience. I also took Motrin pretty much 2 hours before treatments and before bedtime. NSAIDS have been proven to protect the " good cells" from radiation's possible long term side effects.. I found this information after researching various scientific journals, and the NCI databases. NSAIDS are protective without hindering the efficacy of radiation, the mechanism of action occurs at the G phase of the mitotic cycle and by keeping the cells in this quiescent state. My last radiation treatment was April 18. 2016. My skin is nearing it's baseline.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mydogspot
    mydogspot Member Posts: 25
    edited May 2016

    wow that information about nsaids is interesting. I just did some googling on it and it looks like celebrex may be helpful. I have a prescription but rarely take it. I will ask the radiation oncologist about taking it during radiation.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveMyVizsla
    LoveMyVizsla Member Posts: 813
    edited May 2016

    Anybody have SCLE (subacute cutaneous lupus), where the main effect is on your skin? I'm not due for rads until Seltember, but very nervous about it. I've already had a slight relapse when I finished AC chemo. I really don't want a full blown relapse.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories