Finding it Very Difficult to Breathe

SamEllen
SamEllen Member Posts: 1
edited August 2015 in Ovarian Cancer #1

i had a debulking 6 months ago and just finished six cycles of cysplatin, taxol, and Avastin.  I'm still having infusions of the Avastin and I'm also still  on an oral chemo - both the Avastin and the oral chemo are part of a yearlong trial. Aside from the usual symptoms - the nausea, vomiting, loss of apetite, neuropathy, for the last 2 weeks I've been experiencing shortness of breath when I'm not lying down or sitting. And this is exhausting!  I was put on Xarelto for a blood clot in my lung about 3 weeks ago so I'm not sure if the clot or the Xarelto have anything to do with it. Neither my hematologist or oncologist have an answer to this. Would love to know if anyone experienced these symptoms. 

Comments

  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #2
    Shortness of breath

    Hi.  I am an almost five and a half year survivor.  I have had shortness of breath many times and for many reasons.  I have had atrial fibrillation a couple of times, low blood counts, low electrolytes and sometimes there is no answer.  A couple of weeks ago I had lightheadedness and rapid heartbeat for two days and I am not currently in treatment.  Sometimes I even get short of breath when I'm at rest.  It happens also when I have fatigue.  Of course it's always wise to check with your doctor.  I don't think I've helped you much but to let you know you're not alone.

    Karen

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    SO SORRY YOU ARE GOING THROUGH SO MUCH

    The difficulty breathing could be for many reasons.  But for me, one reason was low blood pressure.  I would especially notice it when standing up.  My BP is normally low (about 106/65), and the treatments brought it even lower (80/60).  I really felt like I was floating away from this world.  It was awful.  So, when it would hit hard I would have a little extra salt - sometimes I would just munch on little bits of potatoe chips.  And sometimes I would have a 1/2 cup of coffee.  It takes a while, but the BP would come back up.  I would also walk SLOWLY around the house, hanging on the things so I wouldn't fall if I felt faint.  Keeping the blood moving in the legs is very helpful, so lying down for long periods of time is counterproductive.

     

    I hope this helps and I hope all of you get some relief.  (((HUGS))) to you all.

     

    Monika

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