Breast Cancer drugs trigger RA?

widget01

Has anybody else experienced this? Last year I received chemotherapy & radiotherapy for breast cancer. During the second phase of the chemo I started getting pains in my wrists, elbows, feet & ankles. After trying various drugs to alleviate the pain I was referred to the rheumatologist & diagnosed with sero negative RA. Is this a coincidence or has this happened to anybody else? Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted to be alive thanks to the cancer drugs, but I am curious.

speedalong

Hi Widget,

Welcome to the forum.

It sounds like life has been dealing you a rough hand, and still you manage to sound positive.

I don't know anything about this, but others might be along soon who do ....

We have lots of RA experts on here.

Speedy

dreamdaisy

Oooh widget01, nasty. Life can be horrible can't it? I am so sorry, you fight one huge battle and now you're facing another.

I have no idea if cancer drugs can trigger RA but one of the most popular treatments for arthritis is methotrexate, a cancer drug yes, but used in much lower doses. Would a treatment trigger another disease? We had a debate yesterday here about the fact that Amercian research has tried to 'prove' a link between drinking tea and RA. As I said, you have these things because you are living. It's all caused by breathing - that's the fundamental problem! I have tried holding my breath but the arthritis didn't go away. What stage are you at with your arthritis? Are they giving you any meds? Oh, I forgot - welcome! Dreamdaisy. (who has PA)

marion1952

Dear Widget

Funny you should raise this. as a colleague of mine has had treatment for ovarian cancer (chemo and Rx) last Nov/December and she has e-mailed me recently to say she is having joint problems (hips and knees and elbows). She is going to raise it with her consultant...

I will be in touch with her again shortly, so if there is any further information, I will let you know..

The chemo drugs are such strong drugs though (ie they change cells, so they must be fierce) - that I guess they can impact on other things..

I did read that Jenni Murray, the broadcaster, had to have 2 hip replacements after chemo for breast cancer (she wrote an article - it's online if you Google her) .. her consultant only told her when she started complaining of pain her hips that it was a side effect of the chemo..

Glad to hear that you are so positive about things Widget, and hope that you are having a lovely weekend..

best wishes

Marion

wibberley

My friend also developed arthritis whilst taking drugs for breast cancer. It may be worth asking your consultant about - I hope your treatment is going well aside from the arthritis pain.

Lois x