Hi the experts say that my lung cancer was the most likely cause to bring on my PMR. Which was proved to be right as when a third of my lung was removed it vanished from me. It then came back 9 months later which annoyed me. Due to the 5 year after care you receive after your lung operation I was due a scan and a week later I was told I had a cancer spot on my adrenal gland.the doctor said hopefully when we remove the gland your PMR should go just like it did after your lung operation which was 2 months ago. This is because there is still a small group of cells around or to close to a main artery which was to dangerous to cut by. So I start a 2 week course of radiotherapy on Tuesday.what I want ask you was anyone you given a possible reason for your PMR as I was with my lung and adrenal cancer.
Snookerball
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Snookerball
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PMR is not the disease - it is the name given to a set of typical symptoms with an underlying cause, of which there are several. The PMR we talk about here is most probably the outwards expression of an underlying autoimmune disorder that makes the immune system go haywire and attack body tissues as it is unable to recognise body as self.
When a patient presents with PMR the diagnosis should only be made as this once the other potential causes have been ruled out - and they include a few forms of cancer. There is a higher incidence of cancer diagnoses in the year after a PMR diagnosis is made - not because the PMR causes it but because the PMR was a symptom and the increased level of monitoring after the diagnosis meant it was found.
I do hope the r/t goes well and you make a full recovery. And that the PMR stays well away!!
And no, as far as I know no "reason" for my PMR, but I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis many years ago, probably first affected in late teens but no one told me when a couple of tiny lumps were removed from my back. X-ray for some other diagnostics turned up "evidence of old granulomatous disease". So I think PMRpro is right, that there is an as yet unknown process going on in the body which triggers the autoimmune disease we call PMR, but which usually cannot be laid at the feet of any other disease we may have.
Sorry to hear a cancer spot has shown up on your adrenals. Let's hope the radiotherapy will get rid of it. Like you, I had a third of my right lung removed, plus 2 or 3 lymph glands, in 2017. Ten months later I was diagnosed with PMR, albeit a much milder form than a lot of people on this site are suffering with.
Last week, as part of my 5-year follow-up treatment, I had a CT Scan of thorax, abdomen and pelvis. The last CT Scan I had 9 months ago was just the thorax. I haven't had the result yet of last week's scan - appointment end of this month. Now I have read your post, I am beginning to worry.
So far as my PMR goes, I have felt so much better since middle of March than I have since I was first diagnosed with PMR. I feel as though my PMR might have come to an end (wishful thinking) I am on 3mg and loathe to try 2mg. Did that a couple of months ago and suffered, so back on 3mg.
I certainly didn't have PMR before my lung cancer. It's funny, but I am afraid to feel too well, or too happy, in case it's all taken away again.
Jemsea, first of all, let's make it very clear, that each of us are completely different as to how body reacts , either to an illness or medication. If everyone had the same results , then life would be so easy for those diagnosing ...
I too had cancer, and until now have passed the usual follow up with blood tests and CT..etc etc.
Before I was diagnosed with Cancer (fibro sarcoma) I was suffering for two years with all the pmr symptoms... but wasn't diagnosed, so there you go, my pmr was actually before the cancer. 👏
I know what you mean about worrying, but I always think, and successfully convince myself, that to worry about something that we don't know about, is just having a negative 👎 reaction on our well being.
Stress for us , is not something which we can afford to have..it just irritates our pmr.
Continue to feel well dear , and please take each day with positive thoughts, because worrying will not change situations for better or worse.
After my lung cancer op. I had two pneumothorax six weeks later. One was life threatening, the other not. I believe it was the stress and anxiety caused by the pneumothorax and the oh so painful chest drain, which caused my PMR. After the pneumothorax I began to suffer with anxiety and panic attacks, something I was never accustomed to. Before the pneumothorax I felt incredibly well and euphoric that I had come through lung cancer without having to have chemo. I have to say the subsequent onset of PMR and steroids put an end to my euphoria and exceptional wellness. Although I am now beginning to feel my old self re-appearing. My feelings are at the moment, it's all too good to be true. Can't shake it.
Diagnosed with breast cancer 2 1/2 years post PMR, 1 year post GCA. lumpectomy done 1/2019. Fortunately, no chemo required. Recently, completed 20 sessions radiation therapy. Did well. My PMR/GCA did not flare during treatment. Few tips to help prevent skin burns. Moisurize irradiated area 3 X day with products such as Aquaphor, caludar orwhatever ointment recommended by rad oncology team. Do not apply 4 hours before treatment. Some docs prescribe additional steroid ointment if develop rad dermatitis. Avoid sun exposure to area. Drink at least 60 oz of non caffeine fluids a day. Many people experience fatigue with rad tx. Try to rest. Mild exercise such as walking is said to decrease fatigue in many clients. Your rad team will discuss possible GI implications of therapy. I am hoping my PMR/GCA will improve post cancer treatment. Good luck.
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