crohns and breast cancer
Sat, January 03, 2009 10:10 AM
Hi everyone: New to this board but was diagnosed with Crohns about six years ago. I tried many of the treatments before we found one that worked and I had been symptom free for about 3 years until now. Back in Oct. I started with symptoms and made an appointment to see my doctor. Before I got in to see the Gastro doc. I found a lump in my breast (a whole other story) Anyway due to the unknowns with the breast lump at the time of seeing gastro doc she scheduled colonoscopy and did not give meds. Two days after I had breast surgery to remove the lump (cancer) I had colonoscopy done. That was Dec. 4th. She put me on colocort and Lialda which have done nothing.
My question is whether or not any of you have had to deal with crohns flare and cancer at the same time. I am so worried that one professional has no idea what the other is doing.
I just found out yesterday that I will start chemo on Jan 5th and I am really worried about how this will affect the crohn and whether or not it will make the symptoms worse. All chemo meds say bleeding could be side effect of chemo, well guys I am already doing that so is that gonna get worse? I can not seem to get either doctor to be concerned about the combination of crohns and cancer so perhaps I am worrying for nothing but I just don't feel comfortable about starting chemo with the crohn flaring. Any advice or expereince?
ladyjane54Joined Jan 3, 2009
Thu, January 29, 2009 1:00 AM
Reply posted for mojo11.
I can't believe I found another person who was misdiagnosed for so long. It was 7 years for me.
deborahJoined Jan 27, 2009
Sat, January 10, 2009 12:47 AM
Reply posted for mojo11.
Thank you for your advise. Doctors are the most frustrating people in the world to talk to. They always seem to beat around the bush...Well anyway my husband went on line and typed in crohn's and cancer and found out about a study being done in England where they are actually using chemo to treat crohn's so perhaps I will find relief from both now that I have started chemo. The symptoms I have been living with for months now are the some ones that they predict as chemo side effects so at least I am familiar with them.
Doctor has changed my meds. Liadia up to 4 a day, colocort still and doing short course of predisone - 9 days. Hope it helps. I am so tired of the pain in my gut.
ladyjane54Joined Jan 3, 2009
Thu, January 08, 2009 8:01 PM
Reply posted for ladyjane54.
I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with both Crohn's and cancer at the same time. I do not have cancer, but I do have Crohn's. The best advice I can give you is that if you don't feel your doctors are listening to you, FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR. I was mis-diagnosed about 7 times before I found a doctor who didn't think I was crazy, lacking fiber, or having "female troubles." You have to take care of YOU, so find someone who will listen and help you. I truly hope you find what you need.
Joined Jan 8, 2009