mets to lung
Comments
-
I know how it feels to not want progression, but needing to understand why the increase in x (side effects, pain, etc). I started feeling like I was losing my mind. My lower back pain was increasing constantly, yet all scans said my lumbar met was stable. I finally had an MRI done which showed a tumor deep in my muscle tissue. This is a battle (pain) that I’ve been fighting for months! So, although progression stinks, at least I no longer feel like I’m going crazy :
0 -
I’m so scared. I go Monday for a bronchoscopy and biopsy. My latest CT showed 2 modules in left lung, one of which is next to my bronchus. They say the one closest to bronchus has characteristics of lung cancer instead of lung mets. The only way to determine is to have this biopsy. Normally I take being put to sleep with a grain of salt. This time I’m on so many meds for pain, I’m terrified of being putto sleep. Anyone else ever feel like this?
0 -
Crap, SheilaMarie, what a lousy thing to hear. We're all kind of conditioned to expect progression at some point, but the possibility of another type of cancer really is just not fair. I'm with you about being put to sleep. I hate the whole process, especially the scratchy throat from the breathing tube. But if I remember correctly you're at a top notch facility. And while you may feel compromised because of the pain meds, from their perspective, it's probably nothing compared to what they see on a regular basis. So take comfort that you're in good, experienced hands.
Praying for a peaceful weekend for you and all us lungsters.
0 -
Thank you, Jaylea. I hope you have a beautiful weekend as well...x
0 -
SheliaMarie,
Do they have to put you under? When I had my lung biopsy, they just used local anesthetic. I'm also wondering what they see that makes them think it's lung cancer. Seems unlikely that you would have both in one lung.
Hugs, Susan
0 -
Susan,
I asked my rad onc if it was possible to think that based on looking at a scanand he said maybe the radiologist thinks that it’s more spiculated (so?), which is more typical of lung cancer whereas smoother edges are usually mets, but other than that he wouldn’t think so. The radiologist told my MO that it’s location was indicative of lung ca, it’s right next to/on my left bronchus. So who knows?
Yes, they’re putting me to sleep. I guess it’s location is the reason? How’d they do yours under local? Wasn’t that jirrible
0 -
Has anyone had a bronchoscopy and biopsy?? I’m scheduled to have one in the morning and I’m scared. Please share any experience or advice.
0 -
Hi Sheila: I had the procedure about a month ago. Mine was an easy time. I hope you did well. I had six spots they biopsied . It turns out mmy Her2 expression changed and that is good to know. It is very upsetting to have the attention on your lung. Once I got a new plan I felt better. I did cry and rage a bit. You are handling this very well. I have had lung Mets for two years and so far it has been small progression. You have time as well!. Try to put this in perspective. If you had no hope they wouldn't biopsy. Feel better.
0 -
Thanks, fraidycat. The procedure went well, thank goodness! I was crazy scared! I know the biopsy was important as it will lead (hopefully) to more treatment options. You’re correct though, it’s upsetting that it’s now in my lungs. Now if I could just quit coughing, that would be a whole lot better the doctor said I’ll be coughing for 24-48 hours
After the biopsy I was wheeled over to radiation for the first of 10 fractions on the tumors in my L2 and pelvis. Then I came home to my package of Xeloda. All in all a busy day, but getting everything started for this next leg of the journey..
0 -
Pulmonologist called. It appears to be breast cancer mets, not a new primary lung ca, but in both my right and left lungs. What’s next
0 -
Hi SheilaMarie,
I'm sorry to hear about your progression (but am happy that it is not a new primary). I started out with lung mets so don't imagine that it will change things very much. From your history, it looks like your MO has just moved you to Xeloda so you will need to wait 3-4 cycles to see if there is a response. Remind me, do you have symptoms? I understand that you should see a clinical response after a few cycles. In my case, my MO was looking for no progression rather than a reduction in the tumors but I know some have really positive results.
I'm wishing a good response to Madame X for you. Hugs. Pat
0 -
Hi, Pat. No symptoms at all. My only symptom ever has been terrible back and hip pain. Of course since the bronch yesterday I’m coughing my head off, and a lot of the time it’s productive with a foamy nastiness. Pulmonologist said to expect this, asbits normal for 24-48 hours. I’ll certainly be glad when it’s over!
I was just reading up on the Xeloda. I plan to start it in the morning. I hope it’s kind to me, but more importantly I hope it’s mean as hell to the cancer! Are you still on madame X
0 -
No, I was only on Madame X for four cycles. I didn't find that it was helping with my symptoms (pain under ribs and in my belly) so MO switched me to Faslodex. I also experienced issues with hand and foot syndrome quite early so would have needed a dose reduction. I expect I will go back on Xeloda again at some point.
0 -
Sheila-I was on Xeloda for 2 1/2 years (my 3rd treatment since being re-diagnosed in 2012). After my first cycle, they lowered the dose, because my feet hurt so much just to walk, and all the peeling. It got better with each cycle. I used (and still use) Udderly smooth cream in the morning after my shower and put on socks immediately, and aquafor at night (put on old socks, it's an ointment), before I go to bed. I also take 100 mg of B6 for the peeling. I believe this was the only side effect I had with it. It was fairly easy (and my first chemo). I've had lung mets since the beginning. I have an annoying cough, sometimes more sometimes less, but it's always there. I get winded going up the 13 stairs to my second floor too, but I'm still kicking! Good luck! Hugs!
Lynne
0 -
Sheila, bc mets are much more treatable than lung cancer, so that's the best news you could have gotten in this crappy situation.
Lynne, your post made me laugh - 13 steps but who's counting? I've started rethinking all of my choices. Like my purse, which feels much heavier lately and needs a serious trimming. In line at the store and see I forgot an item? Forget it, too tired to push the cart to the aisle to pick it up.
0 -
Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone knew they had lung mets before they started feeling the symptoms of them? How many did you have & how big? When and what symptoms did you have? I’ve had a few spots on my lungs since early this year. My MO was hoping it was scarring as they were too small to biopsy and the one large enough is in a place they can’t biopsy. Long story short it’s lung mets of course. Today I’ve been short of breath and was wondering if it’s me feeling the lung mets finally or if it’s from my infusion on Monday (shortness of breath is a potential SE on this stuff). I have numerous nodes around 6mm in size, but I don’t know how that compares. Thanks and hugs to everyone today
0 -
Parry, I had no indication that I had lung mets. It just showed up in my regular CT scan. But scarier than that is that I had a PET in August that shows the met (I saw the scan at the pulmonologist office) but wasn't mentioned in the report. The CT mentioned 2 nodules with sizes and locations but the pulmonologist said that during the procedure the other day he looked all around both lungs and I actually have it in both. He didn't tell me how much or how many, but I'm hoping my oncologist will be able to tell me. Regarding symptoms - ever since the bronchoscopy I've been coughing, wheezing, and having shortness of breath, so the procedure basically gave me symptoms! Pulmonologist said it should clear up in a few days; let's hope so
0 -
Parry-I was having pain in my upper back, so I was sent for an x-ray that showed a compression fracture in my spine (later fixed by kyphoplasty, I've had 4 now). I was then sent for an MRI, and it showed multiple tumors in my spine and lymph nodes, and a large tumor in my right lung. 7 years after being diagnosed stage 1, in 2005, I was now diagnosed Stage 4 metastatic. Only an 8% chance of recurrence in 10 years. I guess I was one of the unlucky ones. I did have shortness of breath, but I just thought it was my asthma. I had a thoracentisis, about a month after that x-ray. Both of the cells they took from the spine and lung showed breast cancer. I have nodes come and go since then. On my 7th different treatment since I was first re-diagnosed. I hope it gets better for you!
Lynne
0 -
Congratulations, Susan!! Obviously your MO was right to fight (and fight a second time!) to get you into this trial!!!
0 -
Thanls everyone, I think this may be the mets acting up vs the infusion. I keep getting winded just going up the stairs. I have a cough, but I also have a constant runny gross nose which I know is from the infusions. I’m not a fan of the wait and see game. Plus it’s nice to know what to expect to feel with lung mets that keep progressing. In the future I want to be able to breathe into a mouth piece or spit in a tube and be told what’s what in my body. I had a lot of time time to catch up on books if you can’t tell
0 -
Thanks Jaylea, Beatmon and Cure-ious!
Hugs, Susan
0 -
Hi! I have questions about oxygen at home.
As I was leaving the hospital last Wednesday after getting IV blood thinner for 3 days since we found a small blood clot in my lung (just before the holiday), a nurse noticed I was short of breath and coughing like crazy, measured my oxygen and it was about 87.
They scrambled and were able to send me home with a couple of tanks and later that night I got an oxygen concentrator big old machine at home.
I was hoping to get more info after the holiday, like use it only if below xx? I'm below 95 all the time so I've been using non stop but I'm afraid this might backfire at me. Like, make my sick lungs even weaker and I'll be stuck with this thing until the end ...
Anyone with some more info?
Thank you in advance!
0 -
Aw, gramen, what a lousy week you've had. Blood clot followed by low oxygen levels followed by oxygen tanks, all in the midst of the holidays.
I don't have any personal experience with oxygen. My only advice is to reach out to your medical team with your questions to get some guidance from them.
Hopefully someone will jump on soon that has some knowledge on this. Good luck and I'm hoping everything will resolve shortly and get you off the oxygen.
0 -
Thank you Jaylea. Pulmonologist called, and suggested breathing exercises, walking slowly, spirometer. He doubts insurance will cover more intensive therapy. Oh well, let's try some more
0 -
Hi everyone, I got "the call" this morning so it appears I'm joining the lung mets club. I'm waiting now for a call to schedule a biopsy. Feeling very discouraged right now. 😞
0 -
Twiggy. I'm so sorry that you are joining the lung mets club. Just want you to know that all is not lost. I was rediagnosed with lung mets just under two years ago. Once we got the fluid under control things improved significantly. There have been some ups and downs but I feel great at the moment. In fact, it often seems surreal that I, in fact, have stage IV cancer as I have not slowed down, work full time and generally feel completely normal.
I know how hard this part of the process is... the waiting and not knowing. Sending virtual hugs your way.
Pat
0 -
Twiggy, naturally you're feeling discouraged. Echoing what Sadiesservant said, this is a rough time, no doubt, but once you get some answers things will settle down. The lung biopsy is not a big deal. Once they have the sample and you know your receptor status, you can start talking treatment plans. I also have ups and downs but have traveled extensively these past 18 months and continue to do most of what I want. I've just slowed down some. Please keep us posted and ask any questions you may have.
0 -
Twiggy, I’m sorry you are faced with the new diagnosis. I’ve done pretty well. Haven’t been in the hospital in 4 years. Traveled...probably didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have 10 years ago, but hey, I’m 66 years old.I hope your treatment brings you back to stable
0 -
Thank you for the encouraging replies!! They really mean a lot to me. I'm trying to schedule consultation and biopsy as soon as possible. I'll be checking in here regularly.
0 -
Twiggy,
Once you have a plan, things will normalize to some extent. Please do keep in touch. You’ll probably find the appropriate treatment threads more active. For whatever reason, posts are somewhat sporadic on the lung thread.
Please don’t hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.
Pat.
0
