What helps with fatigued and shortness of breath? Stage 4 Lung Cancer

I do the breathing but I do not have energy I’m so fatigued.

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I understand. See if your physician can get you an in-home therapist. You need to build your energy. It worked for me and it is gradual.

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I had stage four small cell cancer--I had alot of pain after bowel surgery and I couldn't breath, they put me on all kind of breathing medication the abdominal pain was horrific the pain management people were use less they blamed everything on cancer, I started Keytruda and went to my primary she said stop taking the Amoxicillin and two days later my breathing went from 50% to 100% the pain in my abdomen was all gone, the the Cancer Dr. that was treating me said it was the Keytruda--I had only been on it for two weeks????--and I don't believe her--I had a PET/CT after four infusion and the cancer is all gone except for a small nodule in my lung Please keep a close watch on your blood work, don't let the toxins build up.

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mdoll: I am sure he has toxins built up! He started with Keytruda. Was on that from 3/2019 - 11/2019. Then had some radiation for spine bone lesions. Then was put on chemo (Alimta + Carboplatin + Keytruda) from 12/2019 until 5/2020 because the cancer got a bit worse while on only Keytruda. His regime including the Carboplatin was cut short due to toxicity. He received 2 chemo doses with it instead of 4. He then continued with Alimta + Keytruda. Was given a chemo 'vacation' in April/May of 2020, but had some more radiation for other spine bone lesions (pain) in July during the 'vacation'. In ?August? he went back on Alimta + Keytruda. He has had a couple very brief breaks from chemo (at the times he felt he needed a break). However, the Alimta/Keytruda continues... No one has ever indicated there are problems with his blood work. His RBC is not terrible right now - all things considered. -That's not to say his red count hasn't been worse - cuz, yes, he has been transfused - twice. What did you notice on your labs?

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mdoll: I am sure he has toxins built up! He started with Keytruda. Was on that from 3/2019 - 11/2019. Then had some radiation for spine bone lesions. Then was put on chemo (Alimta + Carboplatin + Keytruda) from 12/2019 until 5/2020 because the cancer got a bit worse while on only Keytruda. His regime including the Carboplatin was cut short due to toxicity. He received 2 chemo doses with it instead of 4. He then continued with Alimta + Keytruda. Was given a chemo 'vacation' in April/May of 2020, but had some more radiation for other spine bone lesions (pain) in July during the 'vacation'. In ?August? he went back on Alimta + Keytruda. He has had a couple very brief breaks from chemo (at the times he felt he needed a break). However, the Alimta/Keytruda continues... No one has ever indicated there are problems with his blood work. His RBC is not terrible right now - all things considered. -That's not to say his red count hasn't been worse - cuz, yes, he has been transfused - twice. What did you notice on your labs?

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My absolute neutrophils were very high, I told them I had intermittent burning when I went to the bath room, because the WBC was at almost 14 I wanted a urine test she said she would be more comfortable taking it during the burning--I called my PCP and she did the urine test I had a severe UTI on anti bio. 1960 mgs for three days. Don't wait for them to say something (you) check because they just want to do more test and I believe if you have good insurance they will TREAT you to death. I told my Dr. if the next PET//CT doesn't show any cancer I will stop- the Keytruda -she almost fell of her chair I only have one very small nodule on my lung-- It cost my Insurance $25 thousand every time I walk through the door plus Her fee the blood draw it 's a money maker for them. So I question everything.

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mdoll - I also question things. However, one of the doctors on the 'team' doesn't like to be challlenged! It seems I always have more questions than time allows. Very frustrating.

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I understand. See if your physician can get you an in-home therapist. You need to build your energy. It worked for me and it is gradual.

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Carlies, I understand your hesitancy in bringing questions or ideas to a doctor who may react as if they are being challenged. You have a right to ask questions and to get explanations you can understand. It's your husband's life.
Your questions about treatment options are worth asking.

Might you be able to get time with a symptom management nurse or other team member who would take the time to answer your questions and to discuss symptoms and solutions?

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