HER2 treatments for patients with autoimmune diseases

[rinaina]

I too have an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's Syndrome which has many of the same characteristics as Lupus. I was initially diagnosed as a Lupus patient but a few years later, I was rediagnosed given the symptoms and the events that took place. My rheumatologist said that I would do fine with chemo and that because you take steroids usually with chemo, that my autoimmune condition should remain stable. Well, because of my autoimmune disease, I believe I did worse on chemo then I would have. My eyes were affected by increased severe dryness which in turn affected my corneas. Sjogren's patients already have problems with dry eyes and dry mouth and actually, dry everything. I had fevers two weeks out from each chemo treatment and I developed a rash on my upper back and chest that remained until the chemo finally left my system which was about 4 weeks after the last treatment. I received Neulasta injections with my last 2 treatments to help with my white count but I still ran high fevers which made me feel so sick. I am doing much better now. I was told that if you have lupus or some other autoimmune diseases, radiation can sometimes pose a problem. I am now receiving radiation and I have 2 more weeks after this week. I have a rash that just surfaced this week, (4 full weeks into radiation), on my breast but other than that I am fine. I started Herceptin in mid September and receive a dose every 3 weeks. I wish you well and hope you will keep us posted.