RA sufferer about to receive radiotherapy for cancer

[FredW]

My father (who has had RA for 15 years) has recently had a soft tissue cancer removed. His surgeon is now suggesting radiotherapy to complete cancer treatment. Any experiences?

[Hidden]

All I can say is take the radiotherapy

You will possibly need to tell what types of medications you take that follow in the DMARD, BIOLOGIC range of medications, as many are used in the treatment of cancer

BOB

[FredW in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for advice Bob.

[nomoreheels]

I really think your father needs to be guided by both teams on this one FredW. It's all so personal & individual, how we react to drugs, the drugs we're given, severity of disease, which autoimmune problems we have & any other unrelated health issues. His Rheumy team should be involved insofar as advising Oncology about his meds & their part in his treatment & recovery.

I wish your father well.

[FredW]

Thanks nomoreheels. Father's nearly 91. I suspect he is trying to decide whether to pass on radiotherapy, gambling that all the soft tissue cancer on his leg has been removed. A tough choice.

[nomoreheels in reply to FredW]

Oh bless him needing to make that decision at 91. Have they gone through with him just now helpful it would be to have it? I'm sure it's not a question he wishes to ask but it is necessary to come to a decision & there's no reason to think it wouldn't be as they've offered it. Maybe if you or another family member accompanies him to meet & ask the questions of them they'll be able to give him answers he can make his decision from with help from those who understand how he copes health wise. It's not relevant to treatment in the UK but the father of a friend of mine in Spain had extensive skin cancer & underwent many procedures & radiotherapy sessions over about 10 years give or take & did well on them. Unfortunately he recently died at 89 but he did have a quality of life between though did decide enough was enough & refused further treatment as his continued to return in different places. His choice worked for him for a good while but as I say his skin cancer was extensive & he didn't have other health issues to deal with, excepting normal ones of old age. It's such a personal choice isn't it?

[FredW in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks nomoreheels - I will pass on your comments and your good wishes.