Anyone with SSC and breast cancer?

[redfairy118]

Hi everyone, diagnosed Limited SSC 5 years ago. Was diagnosed with grade2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the right breast last week. Im having a lumpectomy and intensive radiotherapy next week- possibly chemo aswell if there are any cells found in my lymph nodes. I know SSC has an increased cancer risk- with breast cancer the most common. Has anyone on here gone through this? How did it affect your Scleroderma ? Would love to hear from anyone with any experience of this. Thanks

[MissusTee]

I haven't, but sorry to hear this. From what I've read research points to an increase risk of cancers with autoimmune conditions , e.g. Sjogrens and lymphoma. Wishing you all of the best.

[GGhere]

Hello Redfairy. Sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis on top of everything else. I have SSC and was diagnosed with breast cancer last autumn. My SSC is the full blown version with heart, kidney, oesophagus problems etc. I'm lucky in that my cancer is not an aggressive form but because of my heart thing and age (nearly 80) they are reluctant to operate. At the moment my "lump" is still there and I'm taking a cancer inhibiting drug called examestane. I guess this reply isn't very helpful as I'm not having chemo so can't comment on its effect on scleroderma. Wishing you best of luck with your treatment - you are in our thoughts.

[stostee]

Yes, about 10 years ago or so I had DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and had a lump removed, followed by radiotheraphy but no chemo. I can't remember if my scleroderma was diagnosed just before or just after but it was round about the same time. Before the scleroderma diagnosis, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. After years on steroids, methotrexate, then azathioprine and other things, for the last 5 years I have not been on any drugs at all and am back to playing tennis and exercising and so on (I am 73). So I hope you will be as lucky as I have been.

[Dargomom]

Yes, I had LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma in Situ), a non-invasive form of cancer, and had a lumpectomy about 4 years ago. I did not have radiation or chemo. I was lucky that I was being followed with mammograms and 3D mammograms for years because my mother and all of her sisters died of breast cancer and this was found early. I have very dense breast tissue and have never been able to detect any lumps myself (everything feels lumpy!). My Scleroderma symptoms started in 2010 , but I didn't get a diagnosis until 2017. I have very high RNA Polymerase 3 antibody readings and was told I am at higher than normal risk for breast cancer and Scleroderma Renal Crisis. I wish you the best.

[redfairy118]

Thank you for all your replies. No history of any breast cancer in my family so it has come as a shock- esp as im only 47. As always fantastic support from you guys

[8whitetoes]

Hi RedFairy,

I'm currently going through treatment for stage 3 invasive ductal breast cancer. Chemotherapy w/a Very aggressive drugs. I'm wiped out from the treatment. My oncologist called it Accumaltive effect of the drugs. The past month all I can do is sleep. Everything is exhausting.

Bless your heart 💗 RedFairy,

Cancer sucks

EightWhightToes

[anoush]

Yes. I'm a cancer survivor, 5 years now. Aggressive ductal cancer left breast. Masectomy, chemo. I have SSc, Sjogrens , Raynaudes and PBC

[redfairy118 in reply to anoush]

Thanks anoush. Was your SSc worse after the chemo? Hope you are ok

[anoush in reply to redfairy118]

Not at all in fact the chemo quieted my auto-immune down for a few months after I was done. What you need to be aware of us the surgeon and oncologist both told me I couldn't have radiation therapy because of scleroderma so I would speak to my doctors about that. I know you have to be frightened, I sure was When I heard I had cancer! Its been 5 years for me and so far so good

[redfairy118]

8whitetoes- im so sorry things are bad for you. Yeah cancer does suck- big time !!! Hope you feel better soon

[anoush]

Oh forgot the drugs they used were adriamycin ( the red devil) Cytoxin and Taxol then Arimidex for 5 years to suppress Estrogen

[Ildivolover]

Hi there, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with SS in 2000 & developed grade 3 breast cancer in 2004. I went for the full mastectomy & had 14 lymph nodes removed followed by chemotherapy. I didn't find it affected my SS & I have been cancer free for 20 years. Over that period my SS has got worse, but I think that would be the case even if I hadn't had cancer, as there is a history of breast cancer on my Mother's side of the family.

I wish you all the very best.