Out of breath

[LET]

So my nephew just finished his first week of EPx4. Other than the fatigue and slight nausea he says he is feeling out of breath. Is this normal at this point in the chemo? He goes to the dr next Thursday for bloodwork.

Lynda

[julesTO]

Hi LET,

If, for example, he feels out of breath after taking a flight of stairs, that wouldn't be at all surprising at the end of a full week. But if he's just sitting around and feeling out of breath it's probably worth mentioning to the doc. I'm sure it's just the effects of the chemo and he'll be feeling better throughout the course of the next 2 weeks, but always better to be safe. We mentioned everything to the doctors, to the point where I think we drove them nuts, but I always figured it was better to hear, "it's nothing" vs. "you should have told us this before!".

[LET]

No stairs, waking around in his apartment which is not really a lot of walking. I told him to mention it but the appointment is not until Thursday. Do you think that is too long to wait, should he call over the weekend or Monday? My sister seems to think it may be in his head because he has a friend that has TC and actually had a heart attack on day 2 of EP. I believe he had heart issues going in but this is still making Craig somewhat nervous.

Lynda

[julesTO]

I was going to suggest the possibility of anxiety, which is obviously a big part of the disease. My belief is that, even if it is 'in his head' or 'just stress', its still a very valid feeling and mentioning it to the doctor sooner than later will serve two purposes: (1) to either verifiy that nothing physical is wrong OR alert them to a possible physical issue, and (2) to alleviate the anxiety that inevitably comes with the not-knowing and the what-ifs.

Wasn't he given a head nurse (or someone) whom he could call at any time? If so, I wouldn't bother waiting until Thursday. It will make all of you feel better to just make the call tomorrow so you don't have to sit around and worry for 4 days. Don't put yourselves through any more stress than you already have to endure. The MSK team is there to help you through this in every way, not just by administering the treatment.

I'm sure it's nothing but hearing that from a doctor is what you need!

All the best

[LET]

Thanks for the reply. Yes he has a 24/7 number to call. I think I will suggest that if it continues.

Lynda

[S P]

Well if he just finished his first week then this is the first "chemo crash" he'll be experiencing, which is quite a shock at first. I remember sitting at the kitchen table trying to eat and I couldn't even hold my head up and had to brace it up with my arm and hand. Felt like you got hit by a bus. Not sure if I was out of breathe or not.

Have him check his pulse, and ask him if he's having palpitations (conscious awareness of heartbeat, or being able to feel your heartbeat). If his heart rate is elevated (impress the doctors, that's called tachycardia ), and he has palpatations, then it's a sign that he might be getting anemic. Can check his color too. Lips and face might be a bit on the pale side. What are his HGB numbers? (hemoglobin?)

The chemo crashes typically last the weekend and then you start to feel better around Monday or Tuesday.

Edit: Oh meant to say that I agree with Jules, that it could be anxiety also. Maybe a little Ativan or something...

[LET]

Thanks Steve. I think it is chemo crash although he is feeling better today. Don't have any of his blood numbers, he doesn't go in until Thursaday to get checked. Should we have had bloodwork already?

[S P]

My doc would give me a print out of the CBC on every visit so that we could keep track of stuff too.