Dealing with copd and cancer
I have copd about 5 years now have just had surgery to remove left breast and lymph nodes under left arm, having radiotherapy at moment, can’t have chemotherapy as also had strokes, breathing quite bad at moment could be due to radiotherapy, any body else out there dealing with cancer.
I went through a cancer diagnosis about 2-3 years ago after many years living with a chronic illness like COPD. It just adds insult to injury and makes it so much more difficult to deal with when you have to deal with the regular symptoms as well. I had to spend three months in the hospital while they figured out exactly what kind of cancer it was, and then a year and a half of treatments. Fortunately they were successful in putting it into remission but it wasn't an easy journey for sure. In other words, you are not alone, and if there's anything you need or want to know, just ask. Keep on keepin' on, DPM Hello, you are not alone in this. I find out next week if I am still in remission after 1 year since treatment. Mine was lung cancer with chemo and radiation therapy, no surgery, but other chronic illness to boot beside COPD. Treatments can effect each of us in different ways. May I suggest that you talk to your Radiotherapist and your doctor that helps with the COPD, maybe even get them to chat with one another in reference to your problem.
Knowing you are going through such a whirl wind of things right now there could be other things to bring to their attention and even yours. Pain, are you having any pain that could be causing you to breath a little harder, for pain can get the heart racing which will cause the lungs to work harder. Are you worried about thing all the time, like what's next? I sure was and at times still am. Feeling like crud, radiation can do that to you. All these things and others can make the COPD miserable. Please chat about all this stuff with your doctors, physical and emotional there is ways they can help, could be time for a change in your COPD meds also.
By what you have already been through, you are a strong person, you can fight this and win!
Please keep us up to date on how you are doing. Big hugs, dorisFeeling bit stiff at moment putting mousteriser on and just taking it easy glad radiotherapy finished now waiting to see what happens next thanks mick
I had lymphoma myself on top of the chronic illness so I also had to have a node removed and underwent chemo for a while. Thankfully they put it into remission but it was touch and go there for a few months. I often wake up feeling stiff myself and don't "get going" until late afternoon sometimes! It's why I always prefer to stay up late and do things rather then get up early and do them. Unfortunately most of the rest of the world doesn't work like that! I need to do something here in New York that actually takes place in California so I can take advantage of the time difference! Let us know if there's anything we can do to help. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Like you takes me about 2 hours to get going in the morning, but I’m in bed by 9 as that’s it I’m to wiped after taking all the medication, I have to mentally plan what I’m going to do the next day so give me something to aim at. Mick
