Another bump in the road!

[Sandy H]

Went to the E.R. for shortness of breath. X-ray did not show enough fluid to drain off but I do have cellulitis around the new port. Got some antibiotic so hopefully, that will clear up soon. The shortness of breath is part of the disease process and I will have to live with that so the E.R. doc told me. Very frustrating as I am not able to do much and yet I don't feel sick. Oh well, we knew that keeping the disease stable couldn't last for ever. hugs, Sandy

[Barbara H.]

Hi Sandy,
I'm so sorry to hear this. I wonder if you could get a second opinion about this shortness of breath. Can you speak with a specialist. I just think about all the fun you were having in Florida this past winter. It doesn't seem right that you should have to deal with this issue when you seemed to be doing OK.
Thinking of you,
Barbara

[Andi]

Sandy - I am sorry to hear of your cellulitis and breathing problems. I'm thinking, too, it might not be a bad idea to get another opinion of the breathing thing. I would talk to an oncologist rather than an ER Doc. It would seem to me there should be something available to help alleviate your discomfort. I hope you get to feeling better soon.

[ellen]

Sandy, As I also have a pleural effusion and ibc and am on doxil, I am wondering if you have the ca 27.29 which would indicate somewhat how you are doing on the doxil. I had pleurodesis done, has anyone suggested this to you. You do not want to continue to drain the lung because it builds up scar tissue and makes the pleurodesis less successful.

It improves quality of life and I would think sob. I would definitely get another opinion. I will be getting another tm test my 3rd or 4th round of doxil. If I were to guess, I would tell you it wasn't working but my onc says be patient. I really don't think I have sob but I do cough.

I think you need another opinion. I have been on many chemos but this can be controlled. Good luck to you. Ellen

[Mary Jo]

A simple hug and love from my heart I send.

Mary Jo

[StephN]

Dear Sandy -

Sorry about the shortness of breath - I had that myself each time I was on the hard chemos. Seemed to go with the lowered red count as not as much oxygen circulating.
Some deep breathing exercises helped a bit, especially as we tend to get more sedantary and it can be a viscious cycle.

Yours breathing difficulty is made more so by the fluid, but if they did not see much it may be from the fatigue and those effects of the doxil. What does it say for side effects in the paperwork on that drug??

Is there a good pulmonologist or cardiac specialist you could see?

[Lolly]

I second Steph's suggestion to seek treatment for the shortness of breath if not caused by obvious fluid buildup...my husband was treated for pneumonia back January, and is STILL on an inhaler twice a day as per followup with his primary care, who stated after his physical this spring that other than the aftereffects to his lungs from this episode of pneumonia he's "healthy as a horse"! He has to keep using the inhaler until he can walk up a flight of stairs without being short of breath, and he hasn't been dealing with darned old cancer, so Sandy, it may be time for a visit to yet another specialist who may be able to treat the symptoms. I wouldn't take an ER doctor's word for this.

<3 Lolly

[lindaw]

Dear Sandy

i agree with Sandy.it may be worth asking your Oncologist to help with this symptom. If there is something to be done makes us feel better and more in control.

love
linda

[Sandy H]

I will ask about another opinion tomorrow. The Doxil is such a slow working chemo that its hard to know if it is doing anything. Maybe, I should have tried something else-who knows. I have to wait another 3 weeks before I can change to another chemo. Time will tell. Thanks for all you replies and I wil keep you updated. hugs, Sandy

[StillHere]

Sandy, I know I don't post much myself, but I do read the postings and I feel there is a definite change in your spirit after your trip to the ER for SOB. I just wanted to let you know that I feel just terrible that you are feeling so weak. I pray that this is temporary. Please, Please get a second opinion. No offense to ER doc's, but I would venture a guess that oncology is not their major area of expertise. Peace Karen

[Sandy H]

I do have an appointment to see the oncology PA tomorrow so she will get an ear full. The E.R. doc said they talked to my oncologist and that is what he was told. We will see what happens tomorrow. I am sure it will be lots different! hugs, Sandy

[Jean]

Dear Sandy,

I know very little about about your cellulitis etc. I just wanted to let you
know that I am pulling real hard for you so please continue to be positive
as you are one of the major ladies on this site! Hopefully your onc will
be able to have a treatment to get your breathing back on track.

Sending you a MAJOR hug,
Jean

[Leslie's sister]

Sandy:

I have followed your emails as well since joining this site and feel like I know you. You are truly an inspiration as well as a source of comfort for many women with your uplifting words and hugs for everyone. Keep up the fight. I will pray that the symptoms subside and you knock out this nasty disease.

hugs to you as well,

Lisa

[anne2]

Dear Sandy,

I just wanted to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have always known you to look at the positive in last 3yrs on this site. I hope you feel better soon.
Hugs,
Anne

[Shell]

Sandy-

Having experience with the same breathing symptoms you have, I would not be surprised to hear your onc confirm what you have been told. The sob is, at least for me, part of my disease progression (which for me is lymph nodes and lungs). I also have an ever-present non-productive cough. I always have Hall's cough drops with me. As my lung capacity gets compromised, my heart works harder which impacts the sob. I was told I will eventually need oxygen. Overall, I often feel ache-y, and I also take tylenol and oxycodine, which helps. I think the oxycodine also works as a suppressant on the cough.

I hope the tests will show the doxil is working for you. And in the meantime, I am hoping your onc will explain or correct things for you, and that you achieve a higher level of comfort. Please keep us posted...

Kind regards,

[MJo]

Have you seen a pulmonologist. Of maybe a pulmonary therapist. A guy in my support group is NED after being diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer. He's going to a pulmonary therapist due to shortness of breath.

[Vanessa]

Best wishes, Sandy. I will be thinking about you and I hope your oncologist gives you more answers.