My MS neuro has done studies using methotrexate to treat RRMS. I think it was successful enough they're pursuing more tests of it. Good luck to your mom.
My mom had her oncologist appointment, so I wanted to come back and report here what he said.
So, while she had the full mastectomy, 2 of the 14 lymph nodes they removed had malignancy. All of the cancer was removed. However, he recommends chemotherapy, as it would reduce likelihood of cancer reoccurance by about 40%.
The medicine he is recommending is CMF made up of Cytoxan, Methotrexate and 5.FU. This choice was based primarily on not complicating her MS as these medicines were reported to be less harsh on blood cells and immune system than the newer medicines. So, thankfully it sounds like this doc knows what to do for an MS patient.
As an fyi, her current medications are Copaxone, Estradiol, Amantadine, Diovan, Seroquel, Baclofen, Multivitamin, Sertraline, and Aricept.
Thanks, again,
Laurel
Hi Laurel,
Wow, you and your mom continue to have a time of it. I went looking to see if I could find anything on the use of chemo drugs on MS patients, and everything I turn up has to do with using cancer drugs to treat MS.
i did find this inspiring story from Australia that may be of interest- a woman with breast cancer and MS.
http://www.breastlink.com/resources/survivor-debbie_w.aspx
I hope one the doctors tell you more you will be able to share it here. There seems to be next to no information on the topes. As you know, just because we have MS doesn't mean we are immune to all the other diseases out there.
be well,
Laura
Hi, Linda, thank you for your response.
She is taking Copaxone, and yes, I guess I am speaking of radiation and chemo. You are right, we don't know what they are going to recommend yet...she has an appointment in a couple weeks, and we'll know more.
I am just wondering generally if there is any information out there on whether chemo/radiation is riskier for MS patients, or what other concerns there might be. It's not too encouraging that none of your doctors were clear on your situation with the estrogen blocker, I'm sorry to hear about that. That's the kind of thing I think my dad is worried about...that no one will have consistent information.
Thanks, again,
Laurel
Hi,
I also had breast cancer. I was one of the lucky ones.It was stage 1 ductal
carcinoma in situ I had to have two lumpectomies. and 30 radiation treatments.
Mine was estrogen sensative and they could not figure out if I should take the
estogen blocker drugs with avonex. The surgeon, neuro,or onocologist could not tell me what to do, so I opted not to take them I am sure you are speaking of radiation and chemo??My prayers are with you and your mom+dad. I wish I could give you more answers First, you have to see what they say in order to make a decision
It depends on what type of cancer and othere meds she is taking Linda