Stage 4 Lung - Chemo side effect

[sally70]

Chemotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer and productive cough. Following the failure of my immunotherapy treatment after less than 6 months I have been started on Carbo/Pemetrexed chemotherapy. Following my first treatment I seem to have developed the production of phlegm. it is very limited but if I don't try to get rid of it my breathing is even more noisy, particularly when i lie down. I would love to think this is because the cancer is being attacked but I am worried that it is a further development of cancer spread.

Has anyone else experienced this type of side effect? I will have my blood checked in 9 days and this will be followed up with a phone call from the doctor so I hope to ask them at this time but it would be nice to hear your experiences. Thank you

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi ,

An expectorant: (aides in coughing up phlegm or mucous). If you haven't already done so speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice about the mucous.Kind regards,

All the helpline support team at the Roy Castle 'Ask the nurse' Helpline

[sally70 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you, I would like to keep my chest clear but it is difficult so an expectorant would help. I will ask my GP.

[Beatless in reply to sally70]

Sally, I had the same problem/side effect during Chemo. I put it down to the fact that the drugs were working. After 3 cycles of Chemo my tumor had shrunk by 60%, so think this was the cause of the cough

[sally70 in reply to Beatless]

Thank you so much for responding. It would be wonderful if this was the case for me, really wonderful. More importantly your message gives me hope and for me hope is the most important medicine. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to respond.

[Beatless]

Sally,

I was on Gemcarbo Chemo, looks similar to yours so could be same side effect

[sally70 in reply to Beatless]

Yes I think your right. I will receive a telephone call from a doctor before I start the next treatment in a weeks time. It isn't always easy to discuss anything as the call on their mobiles which can tend to fade in and out but I will make a point of asking about this. I will also ask about when I might get a CT scan. Thanks again

[Carbrian]

Hi, I have trouble trying to shift mucus so the hospital prescribed Nacsys 600mg Effervescent tablets which makes the mucus thinner. These might be suitable for you. All the best, Carol

[sally70 in reply to Carbrian]

Thanks very much Carol. I will have a word with the doctor when she calls later today. All good wishes, Liz