I have a seronegative version of rheumatoid arthritis . Came off all my medication when I was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer in feb 2023 . Had surgery and chemo finished October 2023 . I’ve been exhausted since having the chemo and breathless never recovered back to my old self . Earlier on this year rheumatologist put me back on methotrexate which isn’t working and have recently increased the dose . The medication makes me so ill it’s like my body is refusing it and I spend 4 out of 7 days bed bound exhausted and nausea . Has anyone been back on dmards after chemo were you ok . ?
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MorganCat
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Sorry to hear you have been feeling so poorly, I assume your rheumatology team are aware of your worsening side effects, as you know it could be from your increased dose, it can be tricky getting the balance of having a good response to treatment but not at the cost of you feeling quite unwell.
I hope you hear from others who may have had a similar experience.
It can take a few months for some people to get back to their normal self after chemotherapy and for any side effects to settle down, you also have the added condition of your auto immune disease that you are trying to manage. This must be quite tough for you and perhaps feel as if you are never going to feel any sort of normality again, but do go back to your rheumatology team for reassessment.
I am sure that you are aware of the Rheumatology charity website:nras.org.uk/ and their helpline number is 01628 823524
We offer a range of support services, from one to one telephone support or online support groups, you can view and register for these through this link:roycastle.org/help-and-supp... alternatively, you can email our support coordinator Ellen Knapp at ellen.knapp@roycastle.org
You are welcome to contact us if you would like to discuss anything, our ask the nurse helpline is 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600, alternatively you can email us at lungcancerhelp@roycastle.org
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