BEP ???? Questions about Lung issues?

[Smilemjc22]

Need some help. Steven is on his 3rd and hopefully final round of BEP. He had a lung function test, and it has decressed capacity from 87 down to 83;
doctor says we have to stay with the bleo to kill the cancer, and then time will tell about what it does to the lungs. I know their are obvious risks, but I was wondering if anyone has had this happen, and if anyone has had a long time cure witht he bleo without long term breathing problems. Would love to hear what all of you have to say. Thank you so much.

Steven's Mom

[Kat]

Did he see a pulmonologist for a consult on this? If the pulmonologist and the oncologist agree that he is safe to move forward with the final Bleo, with no other risk factors, it seems like it would be okay.
My husband was in the borderline range for doing the bleo or not, and his oncologist felt he could tolerate it. His post-chemo pulmonary function test showed that his upper airways were not damaged by the Bleo. His lower airways, however, are at the 66% function range right now, and he is continuing to see a pulmonologist every few months. The pulmonologist could NOT conclusively say that the damage was from the Bleo, though, as they didn't test his lower airways in the first test.
However, that said, he plays tennis twice a week and plays the trombone in four different bands six nights a week. He just has an inhaler now. So, he's fine, really. :-) Sure, he's not going to be able to scuba dive or tolerate high altitudes, but, meh, oh well. He can still clean up the court in tennis, so, he's happy!
I hope this helps---let us know about the first couple of questions, and that might shed some more light on it in terms of probabilities.
Best wishes,

[Kurt]

During 3x BEP a line appeared across my left lobe. This was shown on an xray which I needed to have as my onco was a little concerned by my bouts of coughing. The line was the result of infection "most probably" to do with Bleo. My lungs were taking a "battering" according to my onco. But, we carried on with bleomycin because it was needed.

I am now 3 years (almost) out of cancer and depite a pesty cough which I cannot get rid of I am running as far as I ever did pre TC and weight training 4 times a week. My lungs are fine, depsite the bleo.

Do not worry. The lungs will repair. I was also so fearful of long term damage because of my love of running, but I have no problems at all with my breathing or stamina. I do still cough and have coughed up blood since. This is the result of minor lung damage but it is not serious and does not affect my life in any way.

Carry on with the bleo and then enjoy getting back to normal.

Good luck.

[Smilemjc22]

THANK YOU for your replys, He did the lung function tests. Then the oncologist got the results and talked to the pulmanary doc. and his group of doctors and they all agreed to go with the bleo for the last round. Just hearing from both of you, just makes my anxiety level go down, so thank you for taking the time to post. Best of things to you!

Steven's Mom

[DAS's Mom]

I specifically asked Dr. Einhorn about the lung damage that showed up on my son's ct scan after the 3 x BEP treatment. He assured me that the lungs would improve with time and not to worry about it. It's been two months since the last BEP, and my son is coughing less and says his breathing is improving. Lynn

[Smilemjc22]

thanks again, how wonderful that the surgery was cancelled, I missed seeing that before, what absolutely wonderful great happy news for you and your son. I really appreciate the feed back.
steven's mom