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breast cancer with Hep-C

I was just diagnosed with Hep C Nov 20. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Dec 6th. I have my liver biospy today. Just wondering about radiation with Hep C status. Does it have an effect good or bad on the Hep-c virus?
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Avatar universal
Thanks! You all are so wonderful!  The biospy went well. From what the doctor could tell the liver looks fine. I have no symptoms. But since likely infection took place 40 years ago, it was best to verify the status of the liver. I don't know that stage of the breast cancer yet. We are assuming stage 1 at the moment because of the size and "it was caught early". I will hopefully know more next week. Thanks for the input.  I really appreciate it!
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Avatar universal
I was radiated 48 times (24 front, 24 back) while I had hepc. The doc wouldn't treat me again for the hep c until the oncologist and radiologist said it was ok. I treated again about 5 or 6 months after the radiation treatments ended, good luck...Mark
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1815939 tn?1377991799
I don't know the answer to your question either. However, one of our Hep C forum members, EyesofBlue55, recently finished chemo for breast cancer. She last posted on Nov. 7th. You can read her posts  by going to this thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-Social/Just-checking-in-with-update-status-for-many-who-are-wondering-bout-me/show/1837389#post_8485906

Then you can click on her status and see other posts she has made as well as her journal and status update comments. In addition, you can send her a private message by clicking on the Send Message feature.

Please let us know how the biopsy comes out and how you are doing.  I hope you have an excellent Hepatologist at a large medical facility and I hope you have an excellent Oncologist at the same facility. That way you will get the best possible care and they can collaborate on your future care and treatment.

Best to you.

Helpful - 0
446474 tn?1446347682
Hello. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of breast cancer. It must be very difficult coming to terms with your new diagnosis.

I assume you are not suffering with decompensated cirrhosis or End-Stage Liver Disease?
Cancer should be the focus of your medical treatments and your mind.I am not sure what stage of breast cancer you were diagnosed with, but cancer is the biggest threat, NOT hep C or even liver disease. Liver disease is a slow moving disease that takes decades to become life-threatening. Unfortunately such is not the case with cancer. Even for us folks with decompensated liver disease, when we are diagnosed with liver cancer, the main threat to our mortality becomes the cancer. The hep C and liver disease are secondary issues.

I hope your liver disease in minimal when you get your biopsy report, but either way you should focus all of your energy on fighting the cancer. It will take all of your mental energy just to do that. Once you are treated for your cancer and it goes into remission, than you can take on your hep C.

Perhaps this will help...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clin Breast Cancer. 2009 Feb;9(1):51-2. doi: 10.3816/CBC.2009.n.009.
Hepatitis C virus infection does not preclude standard breast cancer-directed therapy.
D'Angelo S, Deutscher M, Dickler M, Weinstock DM.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19299241

Source
Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract
In the United States, over 3 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and over 200,000 women develop breast cancer annually. Yet, no published studies have investigated the tolerability of breast cancer- directed therapy among women with HCV infection. We reviewed records at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and identified 35 patients with chronic HCV infection who were treated for breast cancer between the years 1991 and 2005. One (2.9%) of 35 also had chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

***There were no complications related to HCV infection during or after surgery or radiation therapy.***

A total of 29 (82.9%) of the 35 patients received chemotherapy for breast cancer. Of the 29, only 4 required chemotherapy delays or adjustments in dosing because of HCV infection. In conclusion, breast cancer therapy was well tolerated among women with HCV infection. Considering the paucity of complications, routine screening for HCV infection is not warranted among women with breast cancer and no defined risk factors for HCV infection."

To learn more about breast cancer the American Cancer Society is a good resource...

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-key-statistics
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I am so sorry this has happened to you. The good news is the remission rates for breast cancer are very high. I know that doesn't make you feel better but it is something when you are able to get over the current shock will help you maintain your hope as for all of us with cancer there are some very dark moments where we find it difficult to see any light at all.

Hang in there. You are stronger than you know. Please seek the support and help of family and friends even if it is just to express your feelings and have people listen to your concerns. Don't hold feeling inside as they will eat you up. You don't need any additional stress at this time.

I wish you all the best.
hector
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Avatar universal
I don't know the answer to your question.  There are people on the forum who have had radiation while they have had Hep C.  Obviously it won't cure the Hep C, but I don't think there is a negative impact.
Prayers for good results on your liver biopsy.  You have a lot on your plate.
Advocate1955
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