Don't Know What to Do

[loopey]

I have been dx since 11/2011 and started Aubagio 3/2012. Even before I started the Aubagio I was losing weight though slowly. It became more evident after I started Aubagio though I had no serious side effects. I have lost over 50 pounds and my MS specialist says it is NOT the Aubagio.

I had breast cancer in late 2010 but it was small and only required a lumpectomy. Now, during a routine exam a lump or mass was found in my colon. I will have more tests in the coming weeks but I don't know what to do. MS was my worst fear because my mother died from complications of MS.

Next in line has always been chemo. Fortunately it wasn't necessary with the breast cancer but I am afraid that I will now face that. My sons and husband will pressure me if it comes to that and all I can think of is that I'm a 67 year old woman with MS that is progressing and so why go through the pain?

I don't even know if the MS will get even worse if I have to have chemo. Has anyone else gone through this?

[choco]

Loopey, I can't say that I have ever gone through what you have so I cannot offer you any advice based on personal experience. But I do think that you need to do whatever is necessary in order to get better.

Might I suggest you speak with your neurologist about whether or not the chemo will have a detrimental effect on the MS? As far as the chemo is concerned, look at it this way. You may go through some difficulties in that the treatment may be difficult but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, meaning the chemo will please God kill off the cancer.

I understand you're trying to consider all options now however might it not be best to wait until after all of your tests to do so?

[KatieAgain]

Darlin...bless your heart!

You have certainly been through a lot. And you have some tough choices...really tough.

If you need chemo...lets hope you don't, your neuro and oncologist should work together. Some chemos are indeed treatments for MS.

The stress of the whole treatment might affect your MS...but it might not.

Lets just hope for the best until all your testing is complete. There are some posts on breast cancer and Chemo in the Ladies Forum of this board. Might want to ask their experiences with chemo...

[kelm10]

One step at a time

One step at a time as my title says.

Get through the testing first. To find out what is going on.

Then talk about this with primary doctor, surgeons (if they are or do come on board), your neuro, and an oncologist.

You have to be well informed if and when a decisison has to be faced. A lump could be something simple.

But, some chemotherapy helps MS.

[loopey]

Thank You

Thank you for your responses. Two tests coming up next Tuesday. I am managing not to worry myself sick about it (and that is something because we are also in a horrible heat wave so that's making me sick enough!) I read the breast cancer forum and though my bc wasn't as bad I really felt good reading that Donna's experience with chemo wasn't as bad as I imagine. I will take everything one day at a time.

[palmtree]

I don't have experience with this but I understand where you're coming from. After I got MS I decided to stop all cancer screenings. It didn't make sense to go through all of that and still end up being a woman in her 60s with MS that is progressing.

You seem to know what you want. On the other hand, chemo could help the MS. If you decide to treat the cancer aggressively, it would be great if your neurologist and oncologist could find a chemo that accomplishes both things. Lemtrada is a chemo treatment and the stem cell people use another chemo to ablate the immune system.

That's a tough choice. Some people do fine treating cancer conservatively with diet and exercise. I hope whatever decision you come to, your family will be at peace with it.

[Mermaid Susan]

Breast cancer

Dear loopey,
I am another with with both MS and breast cancer. I know what you are going through and sympathize so very much. Perhaps you read some of my story in the the series of posts in BREAST CANCER AND ME. Here's a complete list of them, in case you couldn't find all of them.

BC&M The Beginning Pt1
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=123306

BC&M Biopsy & DX Pt 2
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=123386

BC&M Decisions Pt3
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=123521

BC&M Surgery Pt 4
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=123891

BC&M sorry for long delay
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=124493

BC&M Recovery Pt 5
http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=125548

I am more than three years out from my cancer surgery - a radical double mastectomy in my case. I am doing very well. I am 68 years old now and grateful that I didn't let my awfulizing about my scary diagnosis overwhelm me and that I went ahead with the surgery.

Good luck to you. I hope your appointments go well and that your oncology team treats you well. Live one day at a time as best you can.

Stay lifted,
Mermaid

[Boymom123]

Too much

Loopey you are in my thoughts and prayers. MS is enough to deal with without something else on top of it. I agree with one step at a time and making sure your whole team of doctors is working to care for you as best as possible.

[pennstater]

loopey,

so sorry that you need to go thru this. I am sure your husband and sons mean well, they love you, are afraid, and can't imagine their life without you. As you said, taking it one day at a time right now is the best way to go.

I pray things go well. In the end, it is your decision. Make sure you are well informed. If you do opt for something different than your family would like, I would discuss openly. Hear them out, ask them to hear you out and respect your wishes, even if they don't understand and support it. They may not be able to accept it. If that is the case maybe a therapist can help.

Prayers and hugs go out to you. Please let us know how things are going.

[Seasha]

Bless your heart, loopey

You have been given lots of good information here and I just want to add some support through my prayers and huge (((HUGS))) to you for the best outcome!

One day at a time is what we all have

[loopey]

Update

I have finished most of the tests now. Waiting on the results of a biopsy but the doctor though everything looked OK. I am really relieved and appreciate all of the positive feedback I received here.

[loopey]

More Bad News

My doctor called me yesterday and didn't think the test was accurate that eliminated colon cancer. I have to see another doctor tomorrow. Besides that, I have an irregular lymph node near the site of my breast cancer lumpectomy. Then to add to that, I had an ultrasound of my ovaries (I had a hysterectomy over 10 years ago but my ovaries were left) and one of my ovaries is double the size of the other and is "active" like a 20 year old, I was told. I mentioned before that I am almost 68 years old and now I am seriously stressed. I will be conferring with my MS doctor as soon as I know what, if anything, is wrong but 3 bad things do not seem like they could be a coincidence.

I am also concerned that this stress will cause a flare up. It is about 100 degrees every day and I am having a really hard time. I just needed to vent to people who can understand. I feel like the stress in almost unbearable.

[Kimba22]

So sorry, loopy. You've already been through so much, and I can't imagine all the thoughts going through your mind.

I'll be praying for you. Please know we are here for you.

[Tia1]

I am sorry that you are going through this difficult time. I just said a prayer for you, asking God to give you peace and healing. I will be thinking of you often, please give us an update when you can. (hugs)

[bree2013]

Loopey, just wanted you to know you're in my thoughts. I hope questions & concerns were addressed with the doctor at your appointment yesterday. Sometimes dealing with the unknown is far more stressful than knowing what you're up against -- at least then you can formulate a plan with your doctors.