Recurring Pneumonia from Breast Cancer radiation treatment

[TiaDave]

I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer and went through two lumpectomies in April 2022, and 21 radiation treatments in May 2022, ending early June 2022.

By the end of July 2022, I knew something was not right with my left lung with constant coughing, shortness of breath. In fall of 2022 I was diagnosed with recurring pneumonia and treated with antibiotics (bactrim) and steroids-prednisone. At the same time I was taken off of tomoxifen.

With no improvement in the condition by late December 2022, I went through a lung lavage and tissue biopsy of the left lung, all on 12-23-2-22. Within two hours of the procedure, I was back in the hospital with a collapsed lung. I ended up in the hospital for 9 days, three, catheterizations, to reinflate the lung, and eliminate air in the thoracic cavity, induced through faulty insert of catheter one on 12-23-2022 by an ER resident, that had me taken to ICU and a second catheter by the med school prof. working that night. The third catheter was done on 12-28-2022 and by 1-1-2023, I was discharged.

I spent the next two months at home on shorter LOA, during which time I had covid. I returned to work, as the manager of a big box store, and by the end of April 2023 after commencing the waning off of 20 mg of prednisone, down to 15 mg, I had a relapse with sinstitas, and the return of the recurring pneumonia. Prednison was increased back to 30 mg, and I have been on LOA since.

The permanent removal of the pneumonia is my challenge. I cannot get rid of it and it will be one year since its diagnosis in August of 2023. My latest mammogram was clean and associated blood work is all normal.

Feedback appreciated.

Kathleen

[Oshgosh]

hi,you have gone through so much. Stuff like this is a shock to your self, both physically and mentally , it’s so bad that you’re left with this ongoing pneumonia.

I also have ongoing pneumonia, caused. By lung disease.

I’m on. 2 prophylactic antibiotics- Azithromcin and co tricamol

They keep me reasonably stable am on oxygen for mobilisation outside.

You don’t mention it if your cough is productive or not

Take care

[TiaDave in reply to Oshgosh]

I'm on the azithromycin and prednisone. What is a productive cough? I cough throughout the day but especially if I have to do stair or hills which are a total handicap.

[Oshgosh in reply to TiaDave]

it’s when you cough up phlegm and have to spit it out

[Izb1]

Oh my word Kathleen you have been through so much. I am so sorry to hear that you are left with pneumonia, I cant advise but wanted to wish you the best of luck . I am sure going through as much as you have will take time for your body to heal and your immune system to get back up to normal. Sending healing hugs x

[TiaDave in reply to Izb1]

Thank you Isb1!

[Alberta56]

What a lot you have been through. Good to know that the cancer has been dealt with. Sorry I can't help you, but I hope as you grow stronger you will shake off the pneumonia.

[TiaDave in reply to Alberta56]

Thank you Alberta. Great health to you and yours!

[Souielouie]

I hope you get cleared finally, you’ve had your fair share. Sending you a big warm hug, bless you 🤗🥰

[TiaDave in reply to Souielouie]

Thank you. May great health be yours.