On Copaxone, Have MS, Just dx with Breast Cancer

[paisleyMary]

How have others handled having breast cancer? Mine was caught early, and I can have "just" a lumpectomy which will be about the size of an egg taken from my left breast. Then 4-6 weeks of radiation.

My mom had breast cancer and lived 20+ years, dying of wide-spread cancer later. Because of the close relation, and that her sister, mom, and my cousin all died of breast or ovarian cancer, the surgeon suggested I have the genetic test for the marker. If I have it, she talked about doing a radical mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and taking out my ovaries.

It's all too much! I'm in constant neuro pain and have taken everything for it, finally getting it to a somewhat manageable level. Now I have to deal with this!

Any insight? Experiences? Suggestions?
Thanks...

[jessiesmom]

MS and then Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed with MS about 7 years ago and have been on Rebif since then. In December 2009 I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I had a complete axillary dissection, right mastectomy with expander placement, 4 rounds of A/C, 12 rounds of Taxotere and 2 reconstruction surgeries. My neurologist and oncologist were in touch particularly at the beginning of my treatment when my specific treatment regimen was being determined. I continued the Rebif for several rounds of chemo then took what I call a Rebif sabbatical. Once treatment was over (Aug. 2010) I resumed taking the Rebif. I noticed no changes in my MS symptoms during chemo. I am fortunate in that my issues with MS have generally been very mild.

You might want to check out the discussion board of the American Cancer Society called the Cancer Survivors Network (CSN). There is a wealth of information and support to be had there.

I would be happy to share my experiences with you. We have certainly hit the medical jackpot, haven't we?

[paisleyMary]

Thanks for sharing. My MS specialist told me I could take a Copaxone "sabbatical" (I'll LIKE that - he'll get a kick out using that word!), so that will be nice. Sounds like you've been through a lot. Yes, indeed, we have hit the medical jackpot. Now if only it paid us rather than the other way around...