I have met this nasty beast twice, the first time in 2004 with removal of my right upper lobe no futher treatment due to no lymph node involvement. In 2006 I had a lymph node in mediastatium non operable so went through chemo and radiation. Now all the scar tissue from that treatment is compressing some vessels in my chest next to the carotid artery, now they want to put me on blood thinners (comidin) to ease the effects. Has anyone else experienced vessel problems from treatment ? It is really scary thinking the cancer isn't going to get me but the effects of all the treatment might. I realize I would not be here if not for the treatment, but never expected all of this, neck and facial swelling, fullness in chest. Would like to hear from others who may have simular problems, and what kind of treatment they have received for it.
Thanks Barb
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Just wondering
- By Barbara1
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 5:57 pm · 10 replies
- In Non-small cell lung cancer - Stage III
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10 replies
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- By cuddles53
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 6:47 pm
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Dear Barb,
You have hit the nail right on the head, you and me with the same problems. I am on coumadin and it is from cancer. I have neck and facial swelling and also my stomach, looks like I am 9 months pregnant, and I am full all the time. The coumadin is easy really, you go and have blood tests every few weeks for a WHILE and then maybe every month, they like to keep what they call your INR between 2.0 and 3.0 to be effective so they monitor this blood value frequently until you are stable with it.
I have had nothing done to help with any swelling as of yet, the doctor reluctantly put me on a very mild diuretic which is called HCTZ for short, it has little or no effect and he only wants me to use it if I really need too, well I think I need it daily, but don't take it in case this is dangerous to my kidneys also. I don;t know what to say except join the club, you are not alone. if we didn't have treatments who knows maybe we would still be alive, and better off we will never know which was the right way to go. Take care and god bless.
Sandy
- By cards7up
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 7:05 pm
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Just wondering if they suggested steroids for the swelling? I have seen it mentioned here several times. Take care, JC
- By Barbara1
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 8:10 pm
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Yes JC they game me cipro (antibiotic) for 10 days and predisone (steroid) for 7 days, and it has help. The onc. also give me 5 additional refills and said I needed to keep it on hand for when I have a flare ups. I am only 48 years old and this week have felt like I am 80, I guess it is the fast change in everything that has be baffled, as I just got a stable reading from my f/u CT for the cancer on Aug 31st. They have assured me it is not cancer only scar tissue. Thanks for both of you who replied. I don't post for myself here much only comment on other posts. This is a wonderful site.
Barb
- By beckylynn
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 9:21 pm
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Barb, I just wanted to say, I'm praying for you to get your strength and energy back and feeling better soon.
Becky
- By Barbara1
- Posted September 12, 2009 at 10:51 pm
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Thank you Becky, I say a prayer for us all every night and its good to know I have you returning the prayer.
Barb
- By cuddles53
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 12:22 am
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Dear Barb,
I saw uou say you don't post for yourself muchj just that you contribute to other posts, I want to ask why? yours is a good intersting post, we need more like what you have to say.
God bless Sandy
- By Barbara1
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 12:38 am
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Hi Sandy, well I guess I don't post on myself because I feel so alone with all this, my family will listen if I talk about it but they really don't understand the battle field we have going in our minds, maybe that is why I don't post for myself I guess I feel the reaction would be the same as what my family gives me. I did have another question for you Sandy, how long have you been dealing with this ? Is it something we can live with or are we time bombs ? This is all new to me just this week and of course my mind is thinking the worst. I just notice during my evening shower that my left breast is swollen also. It is like the swelling is moving down. I appreciate your input.
Thanks Barb
- By cards7up
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 8:07 am
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Barb, this is like living with a chronic disease. Unfortunately it will always be there. Try thinking of it this way. Also the other problems could all be side effects. Have your breast checked and don't give up. It's hard but you can live a good life. Take care, JC
- By Barbara1
- Posted September 13, 2009 at 10:13 am
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Thanks JC, I know it is just a new normal I will have to convince my mind of, and I am determined to do so. But it is hard at times not to get depressed from it all, as we all know.
God Bless you..
- By Barbara1
- Posted November 4, 2009 at 11:39 pm
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Update, found a thoratic surgeon who did surgery on me Tues, home today, opened all narrowed vessels and placed stents in, facial and neck swelling was gone when I was in recovery, the purple tent on my face gone, cannot belive what a difference it made. I was hesitate on having it done but am glad I did, I am breathing much better and per my family look 150 percent better. I cannot believe how much better my face and neck look. God is good, never never give up. Prayers to all....
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