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Do Bronchiectasis and MAC go together?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: May 8, 2021 | Replies (66)Comment receiving replies
Hello. My name is Teresa and I've just joined this group. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and MAC in September 2016 after a CT scan showed cavitating lesions and the sputum sample identified MAI/MAC. I'm seeing a Pulmonologist here in Orlando, Fl who has experience dealing with and treating patients with both conditions. The original plan was to try to control symptoms with nebulizer meds as I had so many concerns regarding the antibiotic regiment. A recent scan showed that the lesion is getting larger and my symptoms are getting worse, so I have started a course of 3 daily AB's today. I'm in my 50's and have dealt with a lot of medical issues over the years, including a breast cancer diagnosis 5 yrs ago, but to be honest this chronic condition and its treatment scares me more than anything else I've faced. I was glad to find this group and hope to make some connections and find/give support to others going through the same thing.
Replies to "Hello. My name is Teresa and I've just joined this group. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis..."
Hi Becky, thanks for your encouraging words. I really do think that having a community of support from people who have lived through similar issues will be an enormous help. I went through the whole gamut with the cancer treatment (surgery, chemo, radiation and meds) but always had the hope and expectation of achieving remission, and life going back to a somewhat "normal" state. That treatment probably played a role in this condition though, as the area of cavitating lesions is exactly where I received the radiation. This chronic condition feels more oppressive, and I'm not sure if I can expect anything more than to just maintain my status and keep my symptoms from becoming progressively worse. If the MAC is successfully eradicated does the underlying bronchiectasis become less symptomatic? Would love to hear other perspectives on this.
Teresa, I have the same as you! What are the antibiotics they have you on? How are you tolerating them?
I have the same thing too. I never did the three drug combo. I started
monthly prophylactic antibiotics in 2013. I was diagnosed with MAC in 2005 and
was treated with azithromycin for a short period. Unbeknownst to me, my lungs
were deteriorating steadily until I started at the Mayo in 2013.
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@tfritschy, Hi Teresa, wow you have been through alot. Breast cancer is such a rough disease, I helped my mom get through surgery and radiation. You are made of tough stuff and I think this will be something else you will be able to manage.Iam glad you have found the group and you are able to share your experence with all of us. We learn from each other by doing so. Reading through past post will help you have the confidence to ask for what you need. We all will get throu this together. Stay strong!
Becky