Trouble choosing medication

I posted a long time ago about a possible MS diagnosis. The advise offered in this forum helped me make decisions and gave me courage to get the right information.  To make a long story as short as I can, I have Stage IV colon cancer and was experiencing some cognitive problems.  A MRI was done of my head to rule out brain tumors.  Lucky for me - no brain tumors but 12-13 lesisions that "probably" represented MS.  AS my mother has primary progressive multiple sclerosis and is completely and totally disabled phsysically and mentally - I was very concerned.  MS can be very cruel!
I decided to redo the MRI in December.  Didn't get around to new MRI unil February after I started experience some increase cognitive problems, new physical problems and what look like siezures.  Feb. MRI showed some new lessions so was given a diagnosis of MS.  I guess it balances out the cancer...  

Right now my cancer is only showing up in a small lymph node by my liver.  It lights up on a PET scan but appears stable for now.  So we are not going to treat the cancer but now we need to address and treat the MS at it appear to have worsened. I would like to avoid ending up like my mother - who had no treatment options.  My question is:  It appears that I am hold my own with the cancer.  By adding a DMD is it possible that I could actually compromise the immune system that is keeping the cancer in check?  

Any help or insight would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Jenmo

[debj52]

hi,i have no answer for you ,so im  going to bump you up so others can see this easier...so sorry for all your problems.take care...deb

[Heather3418]

Thank you for posting your story.

With your already delicate condition and now MS, I would definitely talk to your oncologist about this DMD decision and see if he/she can do some research on all the Disease Modifying Drugs for MS.  This is too important of a decision to "guess" at the possibilities.

You sure have alot on your plate.  God Bless you dearheart.  I am going to do some research myself on the Internet, since you brought up such a challenging question, that interests me.

Take care dearheart.  We are with you every step of the way, in whatever you need.  That's a PROMISE you can take to the bank.

Best Wishes and Big Hugs,
Heather

[nikki861]

Sending you prayers and big HUGS your way!! I will keep you in my prayers.

Blessings,
Beth

[doublevision1]

There have been studies that indicate that people treated for MS have a decreased risk of certain types of cancers.  However I'm not sure I've ever come across any studies with respect to patients who had cancer prior to MS and/or MS treatment.

I have a subscription to an online journal and will do a little digging for you.  If I find anything useful I'll let you know.

But of course as Heather says, this is something your doctor should be advising on.  For something complicated like this, maybe seek a second opinion regardless of your confidence in your current care.  

Wishing you strength in the days ahead.

db1

[Jenmo]

Thanks for your thougths!  
Part of the problem is that the Onc defers to the Neuro and visa versa - kind of leaving me in the middle. I was basically told to choose what I wanted to do. I have read studies that DMD don't geranally cause cancer - but no one seems to know about the effects of the DMD drugs on people who have ACTIVE cancer.  At least that is what I am getting.I am trying to get an appointment with a MS specialist. Just all confusing... part of me just wants to ignore the issue but I don't think it is going away...
Again, I appreciate your comments and positive engery.
Thanks,
Jenmo