Lupus & Cancer
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Dear All,
My mother has been suffering from SLE for the past two years and just recently has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. They can't locate the primary therefore are going to start chemo treatment anyway and am wondering if anyone has experienced or know of any patients that have encountered the similar prognosis? I have read that lupus patients have a tendency of developing cancer more than the general public. It all started with the enlargement of her lymphnodes at her liver and kidneys and metasis has already taken place however the lymphnlodes are not the primary as the cancer would have started from a gland. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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susan33651 julian1302
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Sorry to hear of your mother's predicament. Here's hoping that the chemo does some good. Have the docs said whether it is for treatment or for palliative purposes? Have you got access to Macmillan nurses or anyone who can help you and your mum through this difficult time? Speak to your mum's doc or GP to ensure that you have all the information you need and all the support services available to you.
As regards SLE and cancer, from what I've read of auto-immune diseases it would seem that Polymyositis is known to give the person a significantly higher risk of developing Lymphoma, I don't recall reading anything about increased risk in SLE. As a nurse I see many people with a wide variety of medical conditions who also have cancer, but it doesn't always follow that they are linked, it is more often than not just extreme bad luck. It would seem that your mum is truly unfortunate.
I wish you both well.
julian1302 susan33651
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susan33651 julian1302
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I have nursed a great number of patients with an unknown primary, it is not an uncommon situation, many do go on to make a good recovery following a combination of radiotherapy, chemo and/or surgery. It always strikes me as being something of lottery where the Human body is concerned. I have seen people in their 60s who are so ill with a multitude of problems, not necessarily cancer, and they look and feel old before their time and often pass away without much of a fight. And then there are those with devastating diagnoses of cancer at the terminal stages who despite their age (some in the 90s and 100s!) fight with every fibre of their being and live for a good number of years. I am constantly amazed at the differences!
Stay strong and keep positive as there is always hope.
julian1302 susan33651
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susan33651 julian1302
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Best wishes.
julian1302 susan33651
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susan33651 julian1302
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susan33651 julian1302
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I just had a look at the info on SLE on this site and couldn't find anything on SLE and cancer specifically, but the Johns Hopkins Lupus center website does. You are correct about SLE and cancers. The JH site does mentinon an increased risk of Lymphoma in the early stages of SLE. It states that the risk of certain female cancers is greater in women with SLE. It also mentions that research has yet to ascertain the link and that immunosuppressant treatments may not have a role in the development of these cancers. Have a look at these two websites and any UK based dedicated SLE or autoimmune websites as they may have more information.
Best wishes.
julian1302 susan33651
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susan33651 julian1302
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pam_87693 julian1302
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susan33651 pam_87693
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julian1302 pam_87693
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susan33651
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