Barbara Posted April 2, 2003 Share Posted April 2, 2003 While I have rarely posted, I have used this board to get info, inspiration and questions to ask my Onc. To review, was Dx with Breast CA Stage IV and after doing CT found I had two primaries, with the second being in one of the airways of the right lung - surgery not recommended as it also involved the lymphs in the chest. Treated with Taxol/Carbo for 6 cycles and then off everything for 6 months but I kept complaining about pain in my left arm. Onc kept telling me that it was from Taxol. Finally insisted on getting a PET/CT scan and sure enough, I had mets to the ulna which required stablization before 10 radiation treatments could be given. I was so pissed off at the Onc that I changed doctors. Recently I had a lumpectomy done which thankfully had clean margins. Right now I will be getting my second treatment of Taxotere, which is giving me more aches and pains than I though possible. Since my two surgerys, I developed a dry cough and periodically enough shortness of breath that I use an Albuterol, which does help a bit. I am feeling very low due to the recent breathing problems I am encountering. I can handle the Chemo as I know it helps but am having problems believing that the breathing problems are not a signal that things are getting worse and not better. My Onc feels that all of the symptoms are due to two surgerys and Radiation within the past 10 weeks and my body just trying to get back to where it was before. I don't know if I buy that. I need to know from you, my dear friends, if I should push to see a Pulmonary Cancer Specialist - or - what I can do to help myself. I have always been a very positive pro-active person but I am not sure what is the best route to go. My new Onc is wonderful, very supportive but also very busy. I have to be involved and ask the right questions and insist on the right tests getting done. Anything you could suggest, recommend or identify with would really help me out. Sorry for the "doom and gloom" but I really need some support. Hubby commutes to the big apple from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and basically, I am here alone trying to cope, and keep a stiff upper lip. AND, it is very very difficult. I need your help. Peace and prayers for you all, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdaW Posted April 2, 2003 Share Posted April 2, 2003 Dear Barbara, I don't know if this correlates to your case, but I started experiencing shortness of breath (climbing stairs) while I was being treated with Taxotere. I had finished 25 radiation sessions the month before. I always believed the shortness of breath was from a combo of the previous radiation and the chemo. One thing that I did not do and should have done was ask to be evaluated for my oxygen level. In answer to your question about the pulmonologist, yes, why don't you ask for a referral and while there ask to be tested for the O2--it's simple and painless. The oxygen may help your shortness of breath. Barbara, I'm glad you wrote to the board. I know coming to this site has given me a sense of community and friendship. Take care, Ada Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted April 2, 2003 Share Posted April 2, 2003 Have you tried Sloan-Kettering yet in Manhattan? There is also a doctor named Dr Lederman. He works at Staten Island Hospital. He does whole-body stereotatic radiation. The only one in the US and there are only a few in the world that do what he does. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted April 2, 2003 Share Posted April 2, 2003 Dear Barbara, So glad that you are posting. Yes, we all need love and support! "Friendships multiply the joy and divide the grief!" I'm sorry I don't have specific knowledge to help with your questions, but wanted you to know I will be pulling for you and keeping you in my prayers. Also, thank you for the laugh about "...hair we go again!" You still have your sense of humor! Bless you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted April 3, 2003 Share Posted April 3, 2003 Ha Ha! I now have more hair than my wife, but hers will grow back! I also liked the title of this segment. Thanks for the laugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlton Posted April 10, 2003 Share Posted April 10, 2003 Hi Barbara Just read your post would advise you to ask your doctor for a pulmanary function test. it will determine your lung capacity at this time. Had shortness of breathe also it was what brought me to see a doctor as over the counter meds did not help and the diagnosis cancer of rhe lung stage four. Well back to your post also ask for blood gases test. Hope this helps. A lung specilist is very important and can work with your other docs. You take care and keep posting. we all can learn from each other.. Carlron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted April 10, 2003 Share Posted April 10, 2003 Also you can ask for a HER2 test. Ask the Dr. about this and when you get the results, the Dr may change chemo, treatment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyB Posted April 11, 2003 Share Posted April 11, 2003 Barabara, I would definitely see a LC oncologist. So what do you have? LC or breast cancer of the lung? I guess that would determine what kind of chemo you get. And don't feel bad about "doom & gloom." We all have those days. You can't get to the highs in life without going thru the lows. Keep posting! JudyB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted April 11, 2003 Share Posted April 11, 2003 Did you see I'm a breast and lung person too? I call it my fried chicken order. And from Jersey! Yikes!!! I see the breast surgeon, the lung surgeon, the oncologist, and the pulminologist, but he is just once a year. All my doctors are in Phila, and all at the same hospital. Are you north Jersey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted April 11, 2003 Share Posted April 11, 2003 Dear Barb, You may have pneumonitis from the radiation treatments. This can cause serious shortness of breath and is very common after radiation treatments. I had it 2 months after I completed my radiation treatments. I know for me, I wouldn't be without my Pulm. Doctor. Good luck, and VENT ALL YOU WANT. YOUR NOT ALONE!! Warm and Gentle Hugs, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbara Posted April 11, 2003 Author Share Posted April 11, 2003 You all have given me so much support and I thank you for your input. It is so wonderful to know that this board is here and that all of you have taken the time and care to respond to me. Has really given me "food for thought". Should you want to email me directly, please feel free to do so. Email is "insurem@yahoo.com" (can you guess I run an insurance agency out of my home) and I would love to correspond with you. We have lots in common. Bless you all, Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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