Breast cancer and possible lung issues?
Hello. I just finished chemo, surgery and radiation for triple pos breast cancer that was also in a lymph node. I had a complete response to the chemo and was cleared in mid October, sentinel node negative. I recently had a ct scan of my back after a hard fall down some stairs resulting in a broken tailbone. The scan also showed “Nonspecific focal wedge-shaped region of atelectasis along the posterior right lower lobe” of my lung “not well assessed due to motion degradation.“ I’m so afraid this means the cancer is in my lung now. My original breast cancer was found on a ct scan looking for something else too. The oncologist doesn’t seem worried. Has anyone heard of this? Could radiation have caused it? Thanks!
Comments
-
Hi @molly1216, we're sorry for all you've gone through with the cancer and the fall! Of course you're worried but these could have a number of different reasons. Does your oncologist want to do any further testing? Maybe reach out to your radiation oncologist for an opinion too? We are sorry you are worried, and hope you can get more answers.
0 -
Hi @molly1216 , I'm sorry about the broken tailbone on top of everything else. Atelectasis can be caused by many things other than cancer including surgery, scarring from radiation and inflammation from chest infections. Since it was seen incidentally on a CT for your spine and there was motion degredation you might want to ask your PCP about having a proper chest CT done for a better view and evaluation. That would show if a suspicious nodule is present and causing the atelectasis.
The top two lobes of my right lung are collapsed because of radiation induced pulmonary fibrosis but I was symptomatic with that (low O2 levels, SOB, severe cough, low grade fever) and the entire lung was involved. Now I have to use a steroid inhaler and avoid respiratory infections but am able to breathe OK with the rest of my lungs; the pulmonary nodules I have are pretty much stable. Chances are good that the atelectasis is minor and needs no treatment but it would be a good idea to have it checked. All the best.
0 -
hi @maggie15, thank you for responding! I’d like them to repeat the scan and will insist on it. I’m sorry you had those side effects, and I’m glad you’re doing okay! There’s so much involved with all this! I’m still at the point where everything makes me think it’s back. 🤦🏻♀️
1 -
Hi molly1216,
I agree with the advice below from maggie15:
"Since it was seen incidentally on a CT for your spine and there was motion degredation you might want to ask your PCP about having a proper chest CT done for a better view and evaluation. That would show if a suspicious nodule is present and causing the atelectasis."
I would also take heart on the oncologist not being worried. The radiologists see hundreds, if not thousands, of films on the regular, and they know what to look for, especially if they were aware of the breast cancer history. In my case, I have had some weird lung findings in CT scans, but as long as it doesn't say suspicious for breast cancer metastasis, or something along those lines, and as long as my oncologist is not worried, I am good -as a general rule.
The anxiety caused by fear of the cancer coming back is its own problem, and I would address that one separately, with counseling, treatment, therapy, etc., starting checking the resources available at your cancer center or hospital.
Best of luck
LaughingGull
1 -
@molly1216 Your good response to chemotherapy is great! You may know that radiographic image assessment is also computer assisted now. There can be lots of things to see. Once observed, investigation must take place. I now have a pulmonologist who reviews scans when requested by my oncologist.
That specialist prescribed high dose prednisone earlier this year which cleared up signs of inflammation. While hospitalized following surgery, such as after my hip replacement last spring, I’m usually supposed to be using incentive spirometry where you expand the lungs with large intakes of breath. This activity is not easy for me to remember…
Best wishes for getting a repeat CT, healing your fractured coccyx, and fewer worries going into the new year.
0
