I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and have to start chemo soon.
I've been relatively symptom free from Lyme for about a year and a half (aside from chronic migraines), and it's been amazing. Before that, I was pretty sick with primarily neuro/cognitive issues, though I also experienced a wide range of other random and rotating symptoms.
I'm sure my oncologist won't know a thing about Lyme, and I can't afford a LLMD through this process.
Is it even remotely possible for someone to make it through chemo without Lyme taking over with a vengeance?
Can a body recover from being simultaneously poisoned by chemo and ravaged by Lyme in an immunocompromised system?
Has anyone had experience with this?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey SLH...
The good news is chemo drugs have been shown to kill Lyme. Many patients have been through this same type of situation (Lyme and breast cancer) also.
The one thing I hear the most often, and it is sad to say, is if ever given a choice, they'd rather go thru the cancer again than another case of Lyme.
Since you've been through the worst of it with the Lyme, my thought is you will do fine.
I would consider detoxing and keeping up with it. Just my opinion.
I am dropping a note now to someone who has experience with this and hoping she can come and assist if you have more questions.
Also, here is one of the recent studies that talks about chemo drugs used for Lyme- that some are better than what most of us have used in the past.
Tincup, thank you SO much. Here I am looking at cancer with an unknown outcome, and I suddenly feel much less freaked out -- well, about one aspect of it, anyway.
Only people who've suffered the effects of Lyme could appreciate there actually being a bit of relief about receiving chemo.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
SLH516--You will be in my thoughts and prayers. My mom is a breast cancer survivor.
She got the disease when she was 88. If she can make it through, so can you. She is now 91 and still cancer free.
Blessings.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Yes, I have experience of both. I want to get back to you further when I have time in a day or so with more. I am sorry that you are going through it. None of this---Lyme and/or cancer is for the feint of heart.
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Many people with cancer are also doing supportive therapies. Chris Wark has written extensively about this at www.chrisbeatcancer.com. He also has a book out now by that name.
He is featured in Ty Bollinger's series on beating cancer. I took full notes on Ty's two series here because I realize we're immune-compromised and thus at risk. Ty's website is www.thetruthaboutcancer.com
Here are the links. Give yourself some time to read through them.
Dr Veronica DeSaulnier, featured in the series, beat breast cancer.
Mark Stendler also has a series called Beyond Chemo.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
SHL- You are very welcome!
You said... "Only people who've suffered the effects of Lyme could appreciate there actually being a bit of relief about receiving chemo."
Sorry, that made me laugh a bit.
Isn't our Lyme life rather pitiful when we automatically think in those terms? ~smile~
Now, I would like for you to think I am a genius, but truth is I know others who are and I just go around bumming knowledge from them when I draw a blank.
But, I do know some excellent Lyme doctors that have insisted the chemo has helped if not cured some of their Lyme patients.
I've been offered chemo, but didn't try it. (buc, buc, buc... a big chicken I am.)
I do have some info to share so if you want you can email me at [email protected]
If you have any questions or concerns please know, I'm here for you huckleberry!
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)