Hit with a triple whammy: PMR - GCA- now breast cancer
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi all. 3 months ago I was told I had PMR, then 3 weeks after that GCA : I have been on 40mg of pred now for a month for the GCA; Blood test this week. My levels were going up and down, I still get pain on 40mg a day, not as much.
Last week I had my annual mamagram done, called back for a core Biopsy, today I was told I have a early stage of DCIS which is a non invasive cancer. So back to my Dr to arrange a operation, it is treatable with a Lumpectomy, only day surgery.
My question is, has anyone else had to have surgery when on high dose of Pred, I am on 40mg, will I have to go off it for the surgery? they say I should not leave it longer than having it done within 4 weeks.
cheers Dea
0 likes, 5 replies
macas02 dea13
Posted
hope all goes well for you
maryx
EileenH dea13
Posted
The people to ask are the surgeon and the anaesthetist. However, I would doubt they will ask you to stop the pred before surgery - the risks of that need to be considered too. If you have been on pred for 3 months at any dose and a month at 40mg you will already be in a state of adrenal insufficiency - and if anything need a bit MORE pred to cope with the trauma. Though if you are at 40mg I doubt that is the case. As long as they are aware I don't think it should make a difference - and if it is GCA then it would be somewhat foolhardy for them to insist on you stopping it.
I'm also very sorry to hear your news, never good, and along with GCA it really does seem a bit unfair to put it mildly. But at least it is at the good end of the spectrum. Does it feel less awful to think it is just a double whammy? The PMR was almost certainly part of the GCA rather than being 2 different things.
All the best - and hope it's all dealt with very soon.
dea13 EileenH
Posted
Thanks Eileen: I am seeing the breast doctor in a week and will have the operation. I'm confident once they have all my information they will know what to do.
No, double whammy is ok with me
I will stay positive, these things always happen to test us : It's my time :
Cheers Dea
snapperblue dea13
Posted
I had knee surgery when I was taking 10 mg of prednisone. The anaesthetist discussed PMR with me and gave me a subsstantial boost of prednisone during the surgery to help my body cope with the physical stress of surgery and anaesthetic.
As Eileen says, at 40 mg you may not need this. I'd just be alert that the added stress could trigger a minor flare. I think I took 15 mg for a few days just to be sure.
I am sorry you are facing all these things- GCA is bad enough without needing surgery.
diane67131 dea13
Posted
Sorry to hear this news.
I had a procedure where I had to go under anesthesia a couple of years ago. I was not on a high dose of Prednisone though, just 7mgs. I wasn't told to stop taking it. I did, however, have to bump up my dosage after the surgery. I was hoping not to, but after 5 days in the hospital and the medical procedure, I guess it was too much stress for my body to take.
The very best of luck and good health to you.