Hi. I'm lucky enough to have PsA AND a rare blood cancer, call Hairy Cell Leukemia. And just to make things even better, I'm 53, and single!
One rheumatologist wants me to start Enbrel, despite the lymphoma warnings (pending approval of my hematologist). Would you take a drug that could cause cancer if you already had a cancer?? Is this the point where you say the risk is not worth it? I'm not disabled, but my right elbow is half bent and locked into place, and my left elbow is starting to bend. No one case say how bad they will get. Also have knee pain and toe pain, but manageable at the moment.
Another rheumatologist is in favor of treating with Rituxin, somewhat as an experiment, even though it is indicated for RA.
I definately, personally would not take a biologic of any kind. You aren't in a wheelchair or stuck in bed unable to care for yourself. Cancer has a mind of its own and is scary. Stay strong, and find ways to make yourself more comfortable. I pray for recovery from the leukemia.
If the hematologist thought it was safe i would take it. The incidence of increased Lymphoma is very slight as to be negligable when using Enbrel. It is a completely different disease than Hairy Cell Leukemia. If the hematologist says it will not interfere with your Hairy Cell I would do it. The disability of PsA is well documented it and your body is exhibiting it's effects all ready. And we do not know yet how auto immune diseases and cancers are related. I would want to stay up and active to give my body a fighting chance with the cancer. Being bed ridden with the possibility of pneumonias, leg clots, bed sores etc seems riskier to me. I hope that helps. I am sending you hugs and prayers.
It sounds like this one is complicated. You definitely need to talk to your hematologist. And possibly another, and maybe an oncologist too… As hairy cell seems to have weird interactions with lots of the immune cells that can also play a part in PsA (the same cells that can be quickly and strongly altered by biologics, for example B cells and IL-2), you just need to make sure they know what they are doing, and you understand any risks before making a decision.
It sounds like an especially difficult combination of things to deal with, and I hope it turns out well for you
Thanks, Michelle. You say you would "never" take a biologic?? May I ask what you are on now and how bad your condition is?
michelle said:
I definately, personally would not take a biologic of any kind. You aren't in a wheelchair or stuck in bed unable to care for yourself. Cancer has a mind of its own and is scary. Stay strong, and find ways to make yourself more comfortable. I pray for recovery from the leukemia.
I guess i would have a LOOOOOOONG do with both your hematolgist and Rheumy. From where I sit, you may be BETTER of with the biologic treatment tnam not. I was not aware that Hairy cell leukinia was a B cell Lymphoma and as such your chance of getting it were TWICE as high with am number of forms of arthritis than without.....
