Having battled through three lines of chemo, Avastin and a parp, I have now discovered that the cancer has progressed to my lungs.I see my oncologist next week, and don't know if he will have any suggestions, but what I am looking for from you ladies is how to deal with the breathlessness. I have become almost sedentary and unable to walk anywhere, do even basic housework and even getting dressed requires frequent rests. I live alone and am feeling that this is the worst I have felt in the seven years I have been fighting this disease.
Just a thought, has anyone with Mets to the lungs been offered radiotherapy?
Jenny
Written by
27-359
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Have they X-rayd you to rule out pleural effusion? This could be the cause of breathlessness and can be sorted by draining.
If not then I would think chemo will be the way forward. I have not heard about radiotherapy being used in this context and my treatment for pleural mets was chemo. Hope your consultation goes well and you come away with a plan xx
I have a small pleural effusion, but not enough to incapacitate me to this extent. It seems that it is the Mets that are causing the problem.I don't think there is any chemo available to me now as I have been fighting this for seven years, and my body is pretty much wrecked from treatment. I have just finished weekly Taxel and my veins are in pieces now and couldn't take any more. (I had a scan with contrast a couple of weeks ago, and my veins leaked, fortunately while I was getting pre saline and not the contrast fluid)
Aah I see… can they perhaps provide oxygen at home for you? It’s very debilitating not being able to get enough air in. Keep agitating for them to do something and not leave you alone with this problem xx
No, I have only had a picc line so far. Presumably the chemo fluid would still be going through the damaged veins, which I think is where the problem lies.
I'm not sure. I had a minor surgery under local to have the portocath installed in my chest ( I live in Spain so not sure if it's called the same thing elsewhere) . It goes directly into a big vein near the heart so there is no further damage to small veins.I know the contrast uses more pressure than blood flow but maybe it would be diffused better if going from a big main vein? I don't know really but maybe worth asking. X
Dear Jenny, lve no experience of this but lm sure there will be something oxygen might help my neighbour actually carries one around with her for breathlessness at first it stressed her out. But she's got totally used to it now that may help. Then hopefully when you get your strength back, your oncologist will be able to get your lungs sorted. It must be really hard for you on your own but if you can get your breathing right it might help. Your obviously one incredible woman but need some help at the moment have a word with your team tell them how much your struggling or even your Maggie centres are fantastic with great advice & information to point you in the right direction . Please take care big hugs & love SheilaFxxx
Thanks for replying. I must admit, the thought of trundling an oxygen tank around is not pleasant!Unfortunately my area ( Kent) has no Maggie type support available, which is why I asked to be referred to the hospice.I
Jenny you wouldnt know my neighbours carrying anything its so small . I would also try ring either Macmillian or the ovacome line you need some help too get you through this patch.Xxxx
That's interesting. A lady I meet at the hospice has a trolley that holds her oxygen, with tubing to her nose. I didn't realise there was anything else.
She does have thin tubes up her nose but honestly you wouldnt really notice, in fact l went to mass on Saturday and she had it with her she did have a small quilted type bag with her so it must have been in that l will ask her for you. Xxx
I have Just WhatsApp her and she's sent me a picture but lm useless at putting photos up but its a small ruck sack that she had under her coat . Really neat didn't even realise she had it on and would Be ideal for you at the moment . If your on WhatsApp l could send you the photo shes sent me. Private message me if you like. SheilaFxxx
Sorry to hear you are struggling with breathlessness .. my sister had the same and although some was due to pleural effusion which she had regularly drained the underlying breathlessness was debilitating.
She had a very useful visit from a respiratory physiotherapist and also the hospiscare team visited and organised oxygen as support ( a machine with the longest attached tubing that meant she could move around a lot when using .
The biggest help was the advice to stop and breathe out as much as possible before doing anything , emptying the lungs so you can then take a deep breaths as you move getting more oxygen in .. ( instinct is the opposite to try and take a breath and these tend to be too small to expand lungs )
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.
Lung nodules are growing 😩
Low Grade Serous Cancer, Mets to Liver, Liver Biopsy
Lung nodule/mass
Thank you to the beautiful contributors to this site and 'Hello'.
Laura Update 2 - The Fight
