skin cancer and Ruxo

[Cja1956]

Hello, all, so interesting thing happened to me yesterday. I’ve been having eye issues for a long time, at least six months, and I finally went to an ophthalmologist yesterday. I have myelofibrosis , and I’ve been on Ruxo since June and prior to that I was on hydroxy for four years. He told me with all my symptoms that I might have skin cancer on my eyelid and now I have to have a biopsy to determine if that’s true. I never in a million years would think that was the cause of my issues. I know that I read that Ruxo can cause skin cancer, but I never thought it would be in my eye. I’m trying to be positive until my biopsy, but I just wanted to vent.

I’m really thankful to have this forum because I don’t want to worry anyone here until I have my biopsy.

Happy Holidays.

Cindy

[hunter5582]

Hoping that the eye issues are something other than cancer. I have had issues due to conjunctivochalasis, dry eye, and blepharitis. These are treatable.

Please let us know what you learn.

[Janis12 in reply to hunter5582]

I also have dry eyes and blepharitis which is very common but just got a lot worse since starting pegasys...ah well, no such thing as a free lunch!

[StreetPastor]

Hi Cindy, I too have MF. I’m just 57. Was diagnosed with ET at 44. I’ve been on Rux for a few years now and no problems so far. I wish you well and pray you will know His peace this Christmas time xxx 🎄🙌🏻

[ainslie]

probably wise to wait the results first, at my last consult at Mount Sinai I asked the expert expert there if Rux causes skin cancer, his answer was no, he reckoned it was the likely previous Hydroxy and sun damage. I have heard that from other experts, personally I am not so sure but I have been on high dose Rux for 5/6 years and had 10 years of daily UVB for itch and according to expert dermatologist my skin is excellent, i havnt been on Hydroxy though.

[KLCTJC]

think positive! And I can say with experience of working in Dermatology that I have had several patients over the years with skin cancer on their eyelids. My MOHS surgeons sometimes are able to do the whole procedure and other times they remove the cancer and an oculoplastics does the repair. These patients do well and the outcome is usually always good. And there are tons of benign things that can be on eyelids. I will tell you in my experience if it is it usually presents like a “bump”. I would see dermatology let them asses before jumping to any conclusions and know that it is going to be ok. Will be thinking about you and praying for you like all my other MPN folks. I hope this reassures you some.

[Cja1956 in reply to KLCTJC]

Thanks so much for the encouraging words. The ophthalmologist made it sound so ominous. Your post definitely helped.

[KLCTJC]

so glad I could make you feel a little better! Merry Christmas 🎄