I completed six sessions of Carbo/Caelyx in February, and almost immediately noticed breathlessness. Up until then, I had no issues at all, and could walk for long distances and do my housework and gardening. This condition came on so quickly, and is having a huge impact on my life. I make the bed, then need to sit and rest and find myself constantly monitoring how far I will have to walk, and whether I will be able to factor in stops to recover my breath.
I have had a chest x-ray and a scan, and the oncologist says that there is no apparent reason for this. Does anyone have any ideas please?
Written by
27-359
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Ah so not that then. Some people say they find taking antihistamines helps reduce side effects of cancer drugs. Might be worth a try. Hope things improve soon x
Hi. That sounds awful. For me it was anemia when I felt like that. It might be a side effect of rubraca? Also could you have a breakthrough case of Covid? Maybe see your go.
Oh I can absolutely relate to your condition. It sounds like my life.came on so quickly.0 energy,im on breathing treatments now and rescue inhalers.my i live in my home. Barely do anything. I was active like your self.please also see a good pulmonary dr that communicates with your oncologist
I have had exactly the same experiences. After 3 doses of frontline chemo I could barely stand up - let alone walk but the hospital couldn’t find any reason for it other than some slight kidney damage. After about 3 weeks it subsided but has recurred numerous times. I am convinced that it is mostly caused by low magnesium caused by chemo damage to kidneys which apparently is quite common. I suggest asking if they have checked this as it doesn’t seem to be done routinely. I now have a magnesium infusion weekly and take magnesium tablets every day. As the infusion wears off the breathlessness returns so am pretty convinced that this is the main cause.
I also have developed acid reflux since having chemo and have just been reading that this can also cause shortness of breath. The reflux crept up on me - started with mild sort of gurgling but has got worse over time. I have some opacification at bottom of lungs showing on CT scan and lung specialist said it could have been caused by reflux.
I have noticed a change in my digestion, though not acid reflux. I sometimes get indigestion now, and frequently get hiccups after eating. These have only come on in the last few months.
I agree with Neona. Good idea to get magnesium levels checked. I have had very low magnesium during and since treatment with carboplatin/caelyx. It started with chronic fatigue and lethargy, breathlessness and weakness in legs. They don't appear to do mag tests routinely although why, when it is a known side effect of carboplatin, I don't know. It was a clever doctor who thought to check my magnesium levels from the symptoms I was presenting at the time. I also have IV infusions and take daily magnesium supplements. Incidentally I did also have a pulmonary embolism as well but treated and all gone now🤞. But that, I was informed, was caused by the cancer and not the chemo.
I also had really bad acid reflux during treatment - felt like bottom of my oesophagus was always "gurgling" and constricted when food was passing through. It disappeared eventually but was so uncomfortable and played havoc with my appetite/diet. Anyway, please do get magnesium checked if only to eliminate as a possible cause. I really hope you get this sorted soon.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
No more Carbo for me, what next?
A little bit of a treatment break
Maintenance meds
Laura Update - No More Chemo - On to Letrozole 
Daily behaviour following debulking surgery
