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mjkpuff
mjkpuff Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Anybody out there with COPD or diabetes or both! I have a few more that I won't mention now. I'm so upset. TNBC and I am not a canidate for mastectomy. I have very severe COPD(about 30% lung function)So lumpectomy it was. Had lumpectomy on Nov. 9,2009.Done with local. Could not take a node. Poor margins, so surgeon and i agree must go back for more surgery. Surgeon requested I see oncologist to see what options i have.Chemo and radiation.. My pulmonary doctor said NO RADIATION..she said it could destroy whats left of my lungs. I am SOOOO very compromised now.. so frightened of Chemo.  Almost 2 weeks since the lumpectomy and it still isn't healed.. hurts very much... Anyone out there with other problems with BC? 

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  • Irishred
    Irishred Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2009

    I finsihed rads (after lumpectomy) on Sept 30,  Since then I am having trouble breathing (shortness of breath or it seems like I cant get enough air sucked in) Went to PCP he treated with breathing treatments, steriods and antibiotics, seems to help some for a while, but after taking meds, seems to be back where it was again. Going to see Rad Onc tomorrow and see what he says. 

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  • mjkpuff
    mjkpuff Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2009
    I can't breathe now. Can't even imagine getting worse than I am. Surgeon seems to think that the site is well away from chest wall. ( I have large breasts, lump was close to nipple and surface.) I'm stressing so much over treatment. It seems Chemo is just as bad for me. My immune system is already so very compromised, I'm also diabetic.I'm thinking of just having the site reexcised, and juicing with supplements. Sounds crazy, but I don't know which way to turn.Cry
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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Irishred, sounds like you developed what's called radiation pneumonitis, which I think I may have developed now myself.

    Mjk, you def want to listen to your pulmonologist & stay away from radiation.  All I ever had was some mild asthmatic reactions to allergens once in a great while, and here I am with a chronic asthma & SOB months after rads!

    I'm going to start a thread about this topic, I think.

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  • Irishred
    Irishred Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2009

    Yes, my PCP diagnosed me with radiation bronchitis/pneumonia.  I have been on antibiotics and steroids for about a month, helps while on the meds, goes back to bad when i  run out of them.  I reported all to rad onc, and he couldnt care less.  never even mentioned the probs to me when i was there.  Their attitude is well, we did our part, now you are on your own. it really sucks.  if they screw you up  they should help to fix you.  I am really sick of the whole damn thing.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited December 2009

    mjkpuff, why are you not a candidate for mastectomy? Is it something to do with your other health problems? Does your doc feel you would be under anesthesia too long for a mast? Since the tumor wasn't close to the chest wall and you had no nodes invovlved, a mastectomy would mean no rads needed.

    I'm curious because I've heard women say they weren't candidates for lumpectomy but never for mastectomy. You might want to clarify this.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited December 2009

    Irish, my pneumonitis  is not officially fibrosis.  It's even damaged my singing voice!  How are you doing?  I'm better, especially with Flovent, but I'm seeing a pulmonologist in 2 weeks.

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  • mjkpuff
    mjkpuff Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2010

    Hi , sorry I haven't posted until now... So many troubles. Leah.. I have very advanced COPD. Probably don't have much life left as it is. Being put under is pretty dangerous for me. Even the  anesthesiologist thinks the risks are too great.(at least the one I spoke with before my first excision)First surgery was on Nov 9 2009. Just had 2nd excision, Jan 4, 2010, and already got the bad news. Bad margins again! Now surgeon is talking mx... I'm scared. Maybe try 1 more excision. I have 22% lung function. Have spoken with Radioligist Dr.(which is not an option for me). Normally a person loses 5% lung function.i think my surgeon is thinking of all local with some sedation for mx. It has been done. She has never done it though. I would have to see a different surgeon.I'm triple neg. Thats why rads and chemo.. but will not do rad. Heck I don't know. To frightened to think at the moment. Worst yet.. Husband had a stroke on Dec 18, and is in skilled nursing for rehab. Not a happy camper here..

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited January 2010

    mjkpuff, sorry to hear all you're going through. I hope the local with the sedation works for you, and that you and your husband return to good health.

    Leah

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