I am new here for the past few months I have been suffering with shortness of breath on exertion that has been getting slightly worse.
I do have Ovarian Cancer and have had three lines of chemotherapy. I am on a clinical trial for a drug called trametinib and one of the side effects is that it can cause heart and lung damage. I do have regular CT scans of my chest, abdo and pelvis and there has been no lung damage reported in these scans. I do have a small pleural effusion on my right lung and since being on the trial I have developed a left pleural effusion. I have regular chest x-rays and these pleural effusions have remained stable so my oncologist does not think they are resonsible for my breathlessness.
This last month my ribs have been achy especially during exercise and there have been some sublte changes to my hear output on my echocardiogram. I have had a couple of lung function tests that showed some 'stiffness' but that I was able to transfer oxgen from my lungs to my blood. My oncologist could not really explain what lung stiffness means but then he is a gynaecologist. They have agreed to refer me to a respiratory specialist and they think its a number of things all contributing to my shortness of breath. I have also been suffering with a lot of mucous at the back of my throat and I get crackling when I lie down and I regularly wake up gasping for air.
I am worried that it could be something like pulmonary fibrosis but I am assuming that would have shown up on my scans? I suppose I would like some advice on how to get the most out of my appointment with the specialist.
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ScardyCat40
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Hi Sorry to read about your issues .. I think you have stuff well covered if you ask lung doctor stuff talked abiut here.
Am no expert or out and if that was my DOC talking to me
I would think pleural effusion is causing breathlessness and changes on echo heart thing.
I would want to see lung doc ASP really.
Am under going test for excess mucus production round my throat TOO and thats yet to be resolved usually its infection excess mucus fluid production and or inflammation.
That does sound very miserable. I am so sorry. No good telling you not to worry. So allow yourself some worry time, then try and put it to one side and think of the good things. The trouble with having so many things going on (co-morbidities in doctor-speak!) is that it is difficult for the doctors to get the whole picture. I always go to consultations with a list, and I try to go with a clear-ish idea of what I want to come away with. Not always achieved. Push politely, and if you are not satisfied then say so.
:Hi Scardycat :Have you ever thought about maybe Fluid retention could be the culprit for your breathing problems. I am on Chemo but had to temporarily stop taking them due to fluid retention. Have been but on mega dose of Flurosemide 80mg in morning and 40mg in afternoon. It has certainly had the desired effect (I can see and feel my ankle bones now). Going to restart a lower dose Chemo on Tuesday. Just a thought Flurosemide may help.
No wonder you are a scardycat with that list of miserable symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, all of which could in my opinion contribute to your breathlessness. Obviously your case is complex and none of us on this forum are qualified to give you an answer to your question, however, through our experiences, we are qualified to support you and understand what breathlessness feels like and how scary it can be.
It seems you are on the right diagnostic path, a respiratory specialist will have you sorted in no time as you display many interesting respiratory related findings for him/her to get their teeth into. Unfortunately for you, it means trailling here and there, yet another doctor to see and probably more medication to take. However, I look forward to hearing that you are being treated and feeling better.
Your journey is winding, many twists and turns and hills to climb however, we are with you on this path and there is always someone around in the middle of the night to support you if you get breathless or just feel scared. Don't look back, keep pushing forward, you are doing a great job.
Please let us know how you get on with the respiratory consultant.
Thank you sometimes in consultant appointments I can get a bit overwhelmed and come away feeling I wish I had said that or I wish I had asked that. Sometimes with some consultants it can be hard to get your point across and you can come away feeling dismissed.
I think that a list of your worries is well worth taking into the appointments. It may help propping yourself up with more pillows to help the breathing while asleep. Some time waking gasping can be sleep apnea but with the excess mucus that is going to give the same affect. I have restrictive lung disease as well as Pulmonary hypertension and a few other things to threw in so I am also under different specialist to deal with they do not have a specialist now that will fix all I am afraid.
My son had lung issues when he went though Chemo so I do think this is a common thing.
Thank you I do sleep on a special wedge pillow and it is better than lying flat but sometimes I do not sleep very well. I appreciate the opportunity just to be able to talk over my breathing concerns with a specialist. My GP has also referred me to ENT as well
I'm foxy79 I welcome you and after reading your post your a fighter true soilder it's definitely respiratory lungs get advice from respiratory section I have it I know the symptoms your saying on go through it everyday. I hope everything works out for you 👍 and you get peace and comfort take care
Thank you I also suffer with acid reflux and take omephrazole daily and sometimes wonder if that can be the common denominator. However it's all speculation but thank you for your kind words of encouragement
Are you takeing perdiesoline steroids for that you get acid burbs in stomach I feel how much battle your doing on day to day life I'm 36 years old I suffer from copd stage 3 astma emphysema broncechtisis respiratory type 2 I'm on nublizer oxygen and bibep machine and other meds it's been going on form 2015 I need lung transplant. If I'm fed up wonder what you do please fell free if want to talk or need advice or want any information I'll be happy to help in any way take care
given to me for the PC treatment as a side-effect.
I was overloaded with unnecessary antibiotics and other drugs,was 2 months on oxygen and almost dyed.
The only treatment should have been to remove the drug
and be treated with antiinflamatory Corticosteroids.
this CHEMICAL PHEUMONITIS IS REVERSIBLE,
but many doctors do not know about this.
I had to diagnosed myself and later my DX was confirmed by 3 specialists
Please see this from Mayo clinic:
Patient Care & Health Information
Diseases & Conditions
Pneumonitis
Patient Care & Health Information
Diseases & Conditions
Pneumonitis
Sections
Overview
Pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis) is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Technically, pneumonia is a type of pneumonitis because the infection causes inflammation. Pneumonitis, however, is usually used by doctors to refer to noninfectious causes of lung inflammation.
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Common causes of pneumonitis include airborne irritants at your job or from your hobbies. In addition, some types of cancer treatments and dozens of drugs can cause pneumonitis.
Difficulty breathing — often accompanied by a dry (nonproductive) cough — is the most common symptom of pneumonitis. Specialized tests are necessary to make a diagnosis. Treatment focuses on avoiding irritants and reducing inflammation.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of pneumonitis is shortness of breath, which may be accompanied by a dry cough. If pneumonitis is undetected or left untreated, you may gradually develop chronic pneumonitis, which can result in scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs.
Signs and symptoms of chronic pneumonitis include:
Shortness of breath
Cough
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
When to call a doctor
Call your doctor anytime you have difficulty breathing, no matter what might be the cause.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic
Causes
Bronchioles and alveoli in the lungs
Bronchioles and alveoli in the lungs
Pneumonitis occurs when an irritating substance causes the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs to become inflamed. This inflammation makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through the alveoli into the bloodstream.
Many irritants, ranging from airborne molds to chemotherapy drugs, have been linked to pneumonitis. But for most people, the specific substance causing the inflammation is never identified.
Pneumonitis causes may include:
Drugs. A variety of drugs can cause pneumonitis, including some antibiotics, several types of chemotherapy drugs and medications that keep your heartbeat regular. An overdose of aspirin can cause pneumonitis.
Molds and bacteria. Repeated exposure to some molds and bacteria can cause the lungs to become inflamed. Specific varieties of mold-related pneumonitis have received nicknames, such as "farmer's lung" or "hot tub lung."
Birds. Exposure to feathers or bird excrement is a common cause of pneumonitis.
Radiation treatments. Some people who undergo radiation therapy to the chest, such as for breast or lung cancer, may develop pneumonitis. Pneumonitis also can occur after whole-body radiation therapy, which is needed to prepare a person for a bone marrow transplant.
Risk factors
Occupations or hobbies
Some occupations and hobbies carry higher risks of pneumonitis, including:
Farming. Many types of farming operations expose workers to aerosolized mists and pesticides. Inhaling airborne particles from moldy hay is one of the most common causes of occupational pneumonitis. Mold particles also can be inhaled during harvests of grain and hay.
Bird handling. Poultry workers and people who breed or keep pigeons are often exposed to droppings, feathers and other materials that can cause pneumonitis.
Hot tubs and humidifiers. Moldy conditions in hot tubs can trigger pneumonitis because the bubbling action makes a mist that can be inhaled. Home humidifiers are another common reservoir for mold.
Cancer treatment
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause pneumonitis, as can radiation therapy to the lungs. The combination of the two increases the risk of irreversible lung disease.
Complications
Pneumonitis that goes unnoticed or untreated can cause irreversible lung damage.
In normal lungs, the air sacs stretch and relax with each breath. Chronic inflammation of the thin tissue lining each air sac causes scarring and makes the sacs less flexible. They become stiff like a dried sponge. This is called pulmonary fibrosis. In severe cases, pulmonary fibrosis can cause right heart failure, respiratory failure and death.
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