Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I had a total hysterectomy two weeks ago. Good news is the cancer was caught early and I need no further treatment.
I went off my meds prior to surgery( except my Plaquenil which I could continue)). Started back on MTX this week per rheum's advice. He doesn't want me to start up on my Simponi till he reads the pathology report and surgical report.
He says generally biologics should not be used for 5 years after a cancer, but because it was caught early and they got it all and it helps me so much he will decide after seeing the reports if I can start it up again.
Has anyone started back on a biologic after a cancer? I want to go back on the biologic because of the relief it gives, but I am also concerned that it could trigger another cancer and I don't want that!
I went off my meds prior to surgery( except my Plaquenil which I could continue)). Started back on MTX this week per rheum's advice. He doesn't want me to start up on my Simponi till he reads the pathology report and surgical report.
He says generally biologics should not be used for 5 years after a cancer, but because it was caught early and they got it all and it helps me so much he will decide after seeing the reports if I can start it up again.
Has anyone started back on a biologic after a cancer? I want to go back on the biologic because of the relief it gives, but I am also concerned that it could trigger another cancer and I don't want that!
He didn't care whether or not I went off any of my meds, MTX, Simponi or even ibuprofen prior to the surgery. Was only concerned if I was on prednisone ( which I am not) I will see him again next week and will discuss my rheumy 's concerns.
Just wanted to see if anyone else had any experience with this issue.
My throbbing shoulders really want to go to the fridge and take that shot, LOL!
My only personal experience is with skin cancers, and a very non-threatening form of that. Both my dermatologist and the surgeon say I should absolutely stay on my biologic, but what I am dealing with is absolutely not life-threatening. My rheum was telling me about a patient who had ben successfully treated for lymphoma and was campaigning to get his biologic re-started quickly. His level of risk-aversion is obviously low!