I have had two patients who survived parotid cancer, and one who skipped seeing anyone for two years who did not. As dry as we are, of course you'd hate to lose one of the parotid glands, but the newer treatment helps to protect remaining teeth better. Also drugs like Evoxac can help protect the function of the remaining salivary glands.

I always vote to err on the side of caution if there is any question about unfamiliar lumps or fevers.

I agree with those exams. My family doctor insists on blood work every 3 months. I used to feel like a hypochondriac when I started going to the doctor (and all the different doctors) as often as I was instructed, but I feel nervous when I have to skip or reschedule.

I agree this is scary stuff. When I was first diagnosed, the rheumy said it's just dry mouth, dry eyes, etc. My primary said it was better than lupus because lupus affects other organs. Really? Then they tell me that the Plaquenil is important to prevent lymphoma.

They need to quit sugar-coating this. I'd rather have all the information and know what I'm dealing with.

Doctors should NEVER say one disease is better than another , period. Lupus sucks too. :-) But secondary SjS is god awful as is primary a lot depends on how your body reacts to it some people don't get the full effects , thank god. But some do and we suffer for it. Hopefully awareness is starting to show these bone head doctors that say such old school theory is silly.

Sjogren's has huge organ involvement ask him if he knows what saliva is and what it does for digestion. DUH! These doctors need to quit their professions if they make silly statements like that. Read any Sjogrens research and you'll see organ involvement is a big issue.

Plaquenil doesn't stop lymphoma , I'm not even sure that makes sense. Plaquenil they have no idea how it works- its for malaria and they stumbled across it. I know it reduces inflammation and has some other benefits , but stopping cancer boy that's a strong opinion. Just like evoxac doesn't stop cancer.....do they help maybe. I'd like to read the studies.

"USES: Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria infections caused by mosquito bites. It does not work against certain types of malaria (chloroquine-resistant). The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs.This medication is also used, usually with other medications, to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) when other medications have not worked or cannot be used. It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis, though it is not known exactly how the drug works.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, but may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used for other types of infections"


Gwynn just released a statement claiming he chewed tobacco and that for a FACT caused his tumors. I'm 100% in agreeing with that . So my alarm bell was rung to early. My only request of my rheumy was lymphoma and him checking for any signs of cancer. I can deal with the other things , cancer- not so much.